109-Year-Old Taiwanese Centenarian Honored with Commendation and Family Donation to Education

Miaoli County mourned the passing of Ms. Tsai Chang-se, a respected centenarian from Houlong Township, who died peacefully in her sleep on June 24 at the age of 109. Her funeral service, held on the morning of July 19, was a solemn occasion attended by Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin, who presented a posthumous commendation in recognition of her long and impactful life. In line with Ms. Tsai's spirit of philanthropy, her family generously donated NT$500,000 to the Miaoli County Government's Department of Education to support educational development.

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Ms. Tsai Chang-se lived through the trials of the times. She was gentle, kind, diligent, and frugal.

Magistrate Chung Tung-chin read a eulogy detailing Ms. Tsai's life, noting her birth in 1919 and her journey through significant historical periods. She was described as a woman of gentle disposition, integrity, and frugality. Married to Mr. Tsai Tien-lai, she managed their household with skill, raising eight children, three sons and five daughters. Her descendants now number nearly 200, many of whom have become pillars of society. Notably, her grandson, Cheng Chiu-feng, serves as a local councilor, dedicated to serving the community.

While Ms. Tsai's life may not have been marked by extraordinary public events, her quiet existence was characterized by hard work, kindness, and perseverance. These qualities, Magistrate Chung remarked, formed the foundation of a life that was both ordinary and profound, earning her deep respect within the local community. Her example as a virtuous matriarch serves as an enduring inspiration for her descendants and the wider community.

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Although her life did not feature earth-shattering deeds, she wrote an ordinary yet great life chapter with diligence, kindness, and perseverance.

The memorial service was attended by numerous dignitaries, including legislators Chen Chao-ming and Chiu Chen-chun, as well as various local representatives and township mayors, all offering their condolences and paying their respects to Ms. Tsai and her family.

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Her example as a mother is deeply respected by the local community and serves as an eternal model for future generations to emulate and remember.