Retired teacher, 81, who lived alone found dead in Yishun flat after neighbours notice door shut for days

An 81-year-old elderly woman who lived alone was found dead in her Yishun flat on Nov. 10.

Her remains were discovered after neighbours noticed a foul smell along the corridor.

Family moved out, husband passed years ago

When reporters from Shin Min Daily News visited the second-floor unit at Block 343 Yishun Avenue 11, a neighbour, surnamed Wu (transliteration), shared that the deceased was known to them as Brenda (transliteration).

According to Wu, Brenda used to live with her family back in the days.

However, her husband passed on years ago.

Meanwhile, her two sons moved out after starting families of their own.

"The sons rarely visit. Usually only during Chinese New Year. Her grandson would visit occasionally. Apart from that, an older man, possibly her brother, would bring her food from time to time," Wu shared.

Wu added that the deceased, who used to be a teacher and had taught tuition classes at home, kept to herself.

"I've been neighbours with her for over 30 years. My late mother and her used to have a good relationship," Wu said.

"She doesn't interact much with neighbours, but we would greet each other," he added.

Neighbours called police after smell

Wu's wife shared that the deceased would usually leave her main door ajar from morning till evening.

However, from Friday, she noticed that the main door remained closed while the windows were left open.

Wu's wife grew worried because there did not appear to movement inside the house.

She initially assumed that the deceased had gone on a holiday, but later noticed a smell.

By Nov. 10 morning, the smell had grown so strong that they needed to wear masks.

This led her to believe that someone had passed in the house, which prompted her to get Wu to call the police.

"Only after the police arrived and investigated that I confirmed she had passed away," Wu's wife commented.

"This saddens me. After all, we've been neighbours for so long," she added.

Responding to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Police Force said that they received calls for assistance at 4:50pm on Nov. 10.

The 81-year-old woman was found lying motionless in the unit.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play.

Investigations are ongoing.