My Life, My Coffin - Sayang

Elsie Chua



Elsie is a strong, quiet and determined woman. She knows what she wants, and she speaks her mind. She loves flowers –roses, lilies and orchids, being her favourites. To her, they are a symbol of God’s presence in all the things around us. 

Elsie used to work as a seamstress at the Singa Sewing Machine Company. When she speaks about fabrics and sewing, her face lights up. She still enjoys lingering in the nursing home’s fabric storeroom.

Elsie has a deep appreciation for intricate embroidery, the lush colours and rich imagery of her Peranakan or Straits Chinese) culture.  She speaks with much fondness about the Robia – a dress worn by Peranakan women or Nonyas. She remembers being very good at making the Robia in her days as a seamstress.

Elsie has picked a light blue Kebaya - traditional attire of Malay-Straits Chinese influence commonly worn by Peranakan women.

My Life, My Coffin - A Life Well Lived

Kitty Fogh



90-year-old Kitty is one of the most colourful characters you’ll meet at the nursing home. This affable former English teacher is of Danish-Ceylonese parentage, and has lived at St. Joseph’s for over 30 years.

By her own admission, Kitty has led a full life and enjoyed a very satisfying career in education. In her day, she also coached netball, and was involved in drama, the choir and folk dancing. She still speaks fondly of her teaching days, her students and her former colleagues. Kitty is especially proud of being invited to teach country dancing to members of the royal family of Malaysia’s Johor state.