The Demise of Elizabeth Choy - A legendary war heroine

SINGAPORE: She was known as a war heroine, a humanitarian, a politician and a teacher.
96-year-old legend Elizabeth Choy died on Thursday, after a battle with cancer.

Family members said she died at 2pm at home, surrounded by her loved ones.

The wake will be held at the St Andrew's Cathedral.

Elizabeth Choy was born Yong Su-Moi in Sabah in 1910, but moved to Singapore in 1929 to further her studies.

Responsibility came early to this eldest of 6 children when her mother passed away early.

Of Hakka descent, she became a teacher to support her siblings - a vocation she returned to later in life.

In 1941, Elizabeth Choy got married, but life would soon turn hellish.

Both she and her husband were captured by the dreaded Japanese Kempeitai when Singapore fell.

Accused of passing food, medicine and messages to British prisoners-of-war, she was locked up and tortured for 193 days.

In a recent documentary, she recalled these times to her grand-daughter, Andrea.

"My most agonising torture was - besides all the kicking and punching - nothing compared to the electric shocks - they applied electricity to my bare body," said Elizabeth.

After the war, the War Tribunal asked the war heroine if she wanted her torturers executed.

Her answer was no.

"If not for war, they would be just like me. They would be at home with their family, doing just ordinary things and peaceful work. Let us pray that there will be no more war," said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Choy went on to be awarded a number of medals for valour and service to the nation, including the Order of the British Empire.

There were fun times as well, such as the little-known fact that she turned to modelling to supplement her income during a 4-year stint in the United Kingdom after the war.

After returning to Singapore, this war heroine then turned to politics - making history by becoming Singapore's first female legislator.

She then stood for elections in the Queenstown branch but lost.

Elizabeth Choy then left politics to go back to her first love - teaching.

She spent 40 years doing this.

Asked some years ago which part of her remarkable life she wanted to be remembered for, there was no hesitation.

"Teaching is a noble profession. You have young people and you help to mould them so teaching is very important," said Elizabeth.

In the end - perhaps that is indeed Elizabeth Choy's lasting legacy.

She taught a nation what it is to live a life less ordinary. - CNA /dt