S'pore woman, 103, gets elaborate final send-off with 16 tables, red carpet & paper slot machine

A 103-year-old Singaporean centenarian has received an elaborate final send-off from her family and friends, complete with a large white tent, 16 tables, red carpet and a papier mâché slot machine.

She is survived by her 14 daughters and sons, as well as 78 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Passed peacefully

According to Shin Min Daily News, the woman, Chen Shuying (transliteration), passed on the morning of  Jan. 3 at the age of 103.

On the evening of Dec. 24, 2025, her family noticed that she had gotten more frail, Shin Min wrote.

"We sensed something was off, so we admitted her to the hospital," the late Chen's eldest daughter said.

The doctors warned the family that her organs were beginning to weaken and that they were not able to treat her.

As her condition weakened, the family decided to transfer her to a hospice.

The 103-year-old passed peacefully at the hospice.

Large family, wide social circles

Chen's youngest son, Lan Wenchang (transliteration), 63, is the founder of a local funeral home, while his wife is a renowned spirit medium, Shin Min reported.

Together, they had a wide social circle.

Coupled with their large family size, Chen's family felt a larger-scale wake lasting seven days was warranted as they anticipated a sizeable number of mourners.

Chen herself had an impressive social network.

According to the family, during her last moments, about 90 of her friends showed up at the hospice to say their final goodbyes.

As the hospice only admitted 15 visitors at a time, they waited at a coffee shop nearby and took turns.

Red carpet, slot machine

Chen's wake is being held at a field near Block 230, Choa Chu Kang Road.

There, a white tent larger than the size of a basketball court has been set up, Shin Min wrote.

About 15 wreaths and 10 banners lined the perimeter of the tent.

Inside, about 40 banners were hung.

A red carpet led from outside the funeral hall through the middle of the tent to the altar.

It was flanked by a total of 16 tables.

"It is a joyous occasion since she was over 100 years old, so there wasn't an issue with having a red carpet. It wouldn't be as appropriate if she were less than 100 years old," Lan commented.

At the altar hung a large banner with a portrait of the late Chen.

In front of it was a chair with a purple floral top, trousers and a pair of black shoes.

According to Lan, they were the late Chen's favourite outfit, and the family planned to burn them as an offering for her.

The family had also prepared a custom-made papier-mache slot machine offering for the late Chen.

"My mother loved playing slot machines before she passed, so we custom-made one as an offering," Lan shared.

Although the funeral was organised by Lan's company, his friends pitched in to help with the logistics as Lan himself was busy with the wake's proceedings.

For example, the tent was put up by a friend of Lan's and took an entire day, according to Shin Min.

No secret to longevity

Chen leaves behind seven daughters and seven sons, the eldest of whom is now 85 years old, while the youngest is 63.

She gave birth to her 14 children in a span of 22 years.

In total, she has 78 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

According to one of her kids, there was no secret to the late Chen's longevity.

"She did not restrict her diet and was sedentary, but did not suffer from afflictions like high blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol. It was only after a fall she suffered when she was 100 years old that her body began to fail her," the daughter said.

According to the daughter, each time the late Chen gave birth, she would ensure she recovered well during her confinement period.

Chen's youngest son told Shin Min that the funeral procession will be held on Friday afternoon, and they have planned a series of rituals and performances for the occasion.

Top image via Shin Min Daily News