Cousins and Cousins in Their Centenary: A Century of Love and Memory

Cousins and cousins, both centenarians, embody the living memory of Mauritius, coming from large families in Chinatown, Port-Louis. They share a wealth of experiences, having faced a century filled with courage, silence, hard work, and love.

In a peaceful home in Belle-Rose, time seems to stand still. This is where Kwok Chung Yee Soon Hin was born on April 18, 1925, in Port-Louis. Sharp-minded and upright, he still works in his shop, helping his family and performing household chores as part of his daily routine.

Just a few streets away lives another remarkable woman, Chow Yin Kwok Tak Hing, born Chu Tsze Choi, who also celebrates her centenary. She is the matriarch of a large family that gathered from all over the world to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Chow Yin did not attend school. At five years old, she was adopted by the Ah Sue family, who already had two sons. "I never went to school... but I never lacked love," she shares with a smile. The Ah Sue family was relatively well-off and owned a shop, first living in Port-Louis before moving to Terracine in the Savanne district. Her childhood was simple and happy, marked by the hustle of commerce and the aromas of spices.

Though she had no formal education, she developed practical intelligence, resourcefulness, and keen observational skills early on, learning through watching and listening. "Life was my school," she affirms.

It was in this family shop that she formed a bond with her future husband, who came from China at the age of 20 and worked there. Modest and hardworking, he fell in love with her and became her teacher, imparting the skills of reading and writing in Chinese. They married and had seven children—five daughters and two sons—filling their home with life and love.

Chow Yin celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many traveling from abroad just for the occasion. "When I saw them all together, I thanked life," she recalls, still active and enjoying a varied diet without restrictions.

She has always been resourceful, often sewing to support her family, and has lived in various places: Souillac, Surinam, Beau-Séjour, Rose Hill, and Belle-Rose, adapting without complaint. Gardening is another passion; she grows herbs and spices on her rooftop, expressing, "As long as my hands can touch the earth, I feel alive."

Kwok Chung Yee, born in Chinatown, shares a similar story. He learned the value of hard work early on and became a shopkeeper, a profession he held throughout his life. Married in 1959, he has three children and five grandchildren. Now a widower, he remains active, helping around the house and working in his shop. "If I sit still, I grow old. If I move, I live," he states, with a sharp memory still intact.

Both cousins have witnessed a century of change, from distant wars to Mauritius's evolution, yet they remain true to their roots. Despite rarely seeing each other while growing up, the bond between them has never severed, grounded in respect, work, family, and dignity. They embody the values of their generation, where love was expressed through actions rather than words.

As they reflect on the past, they recall a simpler time, devoid of technology and the hustle of modern life, where respect for elders and hard work were paramount. Their memories of Chinatown are rich with community and familiarity.

Over the years, their children have moved away, but the connections remain strong. For her centenary, they all returned, reaffirming the significance of family ties. Their secrets to longevity echo in their shared advice: "I eat everything. I work. I don’t hold onto anger," says Chow Yin, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness. Kwok Chung Yee adds, "I strive to be useful; as long as I can help, I get up every morning."

Although they won't leave behind vast fortunes, they will impart invaluable values. "If my children respect one another, I will have succeeded," she declares. At over 100 years old, their eyes still shine brightly, their ordinary lives transformed into extraordinary tales of resilience and love over time.