Luk Tung Kuen Kahala Mall
celebrates
Irene Lai's 100th Birthday
The Star Advertiser interviewed Irene and published the article below on 3-5-13. We contacted the columnist because we feel that more people should know about her, as she is an inspiration to all who know her.
Irene Lai lives in Manoa and attends luk tung kuen exercise classes in Kahala a couple of times a week. She also takes weekly art classes, does gardening on her terrace and works on sewing projects.
While that might not sound all that remarkable, Lai is 100 years old and still living on her own. She's a little hard of hearing, but she's active and sharp.
According to her 68-year-old daughter, Sylvia Sugimoto, Lai slowed down a bit at the age of 99 1/2 after falling off her bed while changing a light bulb. Before her spill, she was exercising more than many young folks.
"She walked up a steep hill every morning at 5:30 a.m. on her own until she was 98. She was line dancing until she was 99," said Sugimoto, who lives in Kaimuki. "She's highly motivated to keep her mobility."
Lai also visits a drop-in senior center once a week that offers different classes and programs to engage in activities and games with other seniors. "I play mahjong. I'd prefer to play Scrabble, though," she said.
Several friends regularly visit her home for Scrabble matches, including one of her best friends, 26-year-old Chelsea Omura, who brings along husband Robert, also 26. Lai met Omura at a bus stop seven years ago and the pair instantly connected. Omura has since found out her friend is quite competitive and likes to win.
Lai raised three children and has two grandchildren. She became a registered nurse in 1934 and worked until she retired at the age of 62. She says one of her proudest moments was watching her grandson, David Sugimoto, get his nursing degree.
She admits she hasn't watched her diet over the years and gives in to her craving for wonton, although eggs are her favorite food.
"She has an appetite bigger than her sons and grandson," Sugimoto said.
When asked the secret to a long life, Lai said simply: "Just be yourself."
Faith also plays a role, said Lai, who reads inspirational messages and attends services at Central Union Church.
"When facing challenges, you just take it as it comes," she said. Her "work hard, play hard" attitude has certainly helped her along the way.
Widowed at the age of 59, Lai found a second chance at love. She met up with an old beau, Lawrence Lai, whom she hadn't seen in 50 years, and was married a second time at age 72. She was widowed again about five years ago and has been living independently ever since.
Lai said that turning 100 was an exciting experience. The family had a celebration and made gau, or Chinese mochi, for all the guests. She was able to visit with longtime friends and renew relationships with acquaintances.
She still maintains her household, but her daughter brings her meals, which makes Lai feel like she has "become a queen at 100."
While that might not sound all that remarkable, Lai is 100 years old and still living on her own. She's a little hard of hearing, but she's active and sharp.
According to her 68-year-old daughter, Sylvia Sugimoto, Lai slowed down a bit at the age of 99 1/2 after falling off her bed while changing a light bulb. Before her spill, she was exercising more than many young folks.
"She walked up a steep hill every morning at 5:30 a.m. on her own until she was 98. She was line dancing until she was 99," said Sugimoto, who lives in Kaimuki. "She's highly motivated to keep her mobility."
Lai also visits a drop-in senior center once a week that offers different classes and programs to engage in activities and games with other seniors. "I play mahjong. I'd prefer to play Scrabble, though," she said.
Several friends regularly visit her home for Scrabble matches, including one of her best friends, 26-year-old Chelsea Omura, who brings along husband Robert, also 26. Lai met Omura at a bus stop seven years ago and the pair instantly connected. Omura has since found out her friend is quite competitive and likes to win.
Lai raised three children and has two grandchildren. She became a registered nurse in 1934 and worked until she retired at the age of 62. She says one of her proudest moments was watching her grandson, David Sugimoto, get his nursing degree.
She admits she hasn't watched her diet over the years and gives in to her craving for wonton, although eggs are her favorite food.
"She has an appetite bigger than her sons and grandson," Sugimoto said.
When asked the secret to a long life, Lai said simply: "Just be yourself."
Faith also plays a role, said Lai, who reads inspirational messages and attends services at Central Union Church.
"When facing challenges, you just take it as it comes," she said. Her "work hard, play hard" attitude has certainly helped her along the way.
Widowed at the age of 59, Lai found a second chance at love. She met up with an old beau, Lawrence Lai, whom she hadn't seen in 50 years, and was married a second time at age 72. She was widowed again about five years ago and has been living independently ever since.
Lai said that turning 100 was an exciting experience. The family had a celebration and made gau, or Chinese mochi, for all the guests. She was able to visit with longtime friends and renew relationships with acquaintances.
She still maintains her household, but her daughter brings her meals, which makes Lai feel like she has "become a queen at 100."
In the above video, everydaytaichi by lucy chun speaks about Irene Lai at the annual Luk Tung Kuen Luncheon held in her honor.
Below is the text of lucy's speech in which she highlights Irene as an amazing woman.
Below is the text of lucy's speech in which she highlights Irene as an amazing woman.
Honored Guest, President Peter Chan, Vice President, Laurie Chun, and to all of you...our Luk Tung Kuen friends...
On behalf of Lulu Shen Chow and all of us at Kahala Mall, it is my pleasure to share something about our centenarian, Irene Lai, who turned 100 years old on January 2013.
Irene has been doing LTK twice a week with us for 5 years. Everyone who knows her will agree that she is a simply amazing lady!
She lives in Manoa and up until recently she would catch the bus to the mall. Irene is very independent and never wants others to go out of their way. She lives alone during the daytime, does her own house cleaning and even finds time for gardening.
Her friends, Alicia and Marian, tell me that when they pick her up for 8AM LTK class, irene is always ready and waits for them in the garage. Often times she is sweeping the garage, keeping busy and active.
Irene is friendly, outgoing, and greets everyone by their first name and gives them a big hug. It is not unusual to see her massaging others, and believe me, she is strong and has a strong grip.
When I ask her what is her secret to a long life, she has a ready smile and a twinkle in her eye. She replies, "Lucille, do you like to play Scrabble? We don't play all the time but sometimes....you come to my house and play."
Irene often wears a distinctive pin and pendant indicating she was a registered nurse. She is proud to tell you that she was a graduate of the first graduating class at Queen's Nursing School.
Irene eats well, loves her papayas and beef stew, but her favorite is won ton mein.
She stays active doing tai chi, line dance and other activities at Central Union Church. She sews... and she is even an artist. She showed us her drawings of animals and fruits that look so real.
Irene's family, especially her daughter Sylvia, keeps her involved and hip. You'll see them at plays and movies. Once when they got back from the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans when the UH football team played there, Irene was sporting not only a new pair of Nike running shoes, but also a gag pair of sunglasses with eyeballs spinning round and round. We all had a good laugh... saying to ourselves, how special and fortunate we are to have someone as old as Irene playing tricks on us!!
Last but not least, Irene's daughter, Sylvia would lke to thank you, the Luk Tung Kuen community , for supporting her mom and giving Irene the opportunity to exercise and provide the social network that Irene enjoys.
On behalf of Lulu Shen Chow and all of us at Kahala Mall, it is my pleasure to share something about our centenarian, Irene Lai, who turned 100 years old on January 2013.
Irene has been doing LTK twice a week with us for 5 years. Everyone who knows her will agree that she is a simply amazing lady!
She lives in Manoa and up until recently she would catch the bus to the mall. Irene is very independent and never wants others to go out of their way. She lives alone during the daytime, does her own house cleaning and even finds time for gardening.
Her friends, Alicia and Marian, tell me that when they pick her up for 8AM LTK class, irene is always ready and waits for them in the garage. Often times she is sweeping the garage, keeping busy and active.
Irene is friendly, outgoing, and greets everyone by their first name and gives them a big hug. It is not unusual to see her massaging others, and believe me, she is strong and has a strong grip.
When I ask her what is her secret to a long life, she has a ready smile and a twinkle in her eye. She replies, "Lucille, do you like to play Scrabble? We don't play all the time but sometimes....you come to my house and play."
Irene often wears a distinctive pin and pendant indicating she was a registered nurse. She is proud to tell you that she was a graduate of the first graduating class at Queen's Nursing School.
Irene eats well, loves her papayas and beef stew, but her favorite is won ton mein.
She stays active doing tai chi, line dance and other activities at Central Union Church. She sews... and she is even an artist. She showed us her drawings of animals and fruits that look so real.
Irene's family, especially her daughter Sylvia, keeps her involved and hip. You'll see them at plays and movies. Once when they got back from the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans when the UH football team played there, Irene was sporting not only a new pair of Nike running shoes, but also a gag pair of sunglasses with eyeballs spinning round and round. We all had a good laugh... saying to ourselves, how special and fortunate we are to have someone as old as Irene playing tricks on us!!
Last but not least, Irene's daughter, Sylvia would lke to thank you, the Luk Tung Kuen community , for supporting her mom and giving Irene the opportunity to exercise and provide the social network that Irene enjoys.
Below is a thank you letter from Irene's daughter, Sylvia Sugimoto, to all of the Luk Tung Kuen community for her gratitude in keeping her mom young, active, healthy and involved with friends.
Dearest Lucille and Luk Tung Kuen members,
Thank you very much for making our mother's 100 birthday such a special and memorable event. She so loved being among you and meeting with Mayor Caldwell and former Speaker of the House Calvin Say and many others! Lucille, most of all, we were very touched by the wonderful speech you delivered in which you were able to capture her "essence" in a few short sentences! (Amazing how you have come to know her so well in such the brief times she shares with you!) My brothers and I appreciate the fact that you and others in your group have become part of the "village" that sustains our mother in the community and not in an institution. She so looks forward to the days when Alicia Yee and Marion Leong come to pick her up and she becomes part of your excercise group. Her quality of life has been enriched and enhanced because of you and the group of special people that you inspire.
My brothers and I have mixed feelings as we watch our dear centenarian mother age but at the same time we are so grateful for the many long years of good health and special memories she has experienced. Your Luk Tung Kuen group has played a major part of life in her "golden years." Lucille, when she was first introduced to your exercise, she demonstrated to all of our friends and relatives what she learned from her sessions with you! ( It was a riot!) But we could tell that she was totally committed to attending and would ride the bus clear across town to attend!
Thank you Lucille for being such an extraordinary community volunteer. Please know that you have made meaningful contributions in the life of centenarian Irene Lai and that my brothers and I are most appreciative,
Please convey our thanks to the Luk Tung Kuen Board Members for their generous luncheon invitation to us, the certificate honoring her birthday, and for the many friends and positive benefits she has gleaned from her exercise sessions they sponsor.
With affection and thanks,
Sylvia Sugimoto and family
Dearest Lucille and Luk Tung Kuen members,
Thank you very much for making our mother's 100 birthday such a special and memorable event. She so loved being among you and meeting with Mayor Caldwell and former Speaker of the House Calvin Say and many others! Lucille, most of all, we were very touched by the wonderful speech you delivered in which you were able to capture her "essence" in a few short sentences! (Amazing how you have come to know her so well in such the brief times she shares with you!) My brothers and I appreciate the fact that you and others in your group have become part of the "village" that sustains our mother in the community and not in an institution. She so looks forward to the days when Alicia Yee and Marion Leong come to pick her up and she becomes part of your excercise group. Her quality of life has been enriched and enhanced because of you and the group of special people that you inspire.
My brothers and I have mixed feelings as we watch our dear centenarian mother age but at the same time we are so grateful for the many long years of good health and special memories she has experienced. Your Luk Tung Kuen group has played a major part of life in her "golden years." Lucille, when she was first introduced to your exercise, she demonstrated to all of our friends and relatives what she learned from her sessions with you! ( It was a riot!) But we could tell that she was totally committed to attending and would ride the bus clear across town to attend!
Thank you Lucille for being such an extraordinary community volunteer. Please know that you have made meaningful contributions in the life of centenarian Irene Lai and that my brothers and I are most appreciative,
Please convey our thanks to the Luk Tung Kuen Board Members for their generous luncheon invitation to us, the certificate honoring her birthday, and for the many friends and positive benefits she has gleaned from her exercise sessions they sponsor.
With affection and thanks,
Sylvia Sugimoto and family
