At age 86, Ms Tran is an inspirational figure, imparting lessons of patience, perseverance, and overcoming adversity to carve out a better life for herself and her family.
Born into privilege in Northern Vietnam, she faced the gender biases of a feudal society, denying her the opportunity for formal education. In 1954, the war forced Ms. Tran and her family to flee to South Vietnam, where she eventually married and had seven children.
Her husband, a supportive partner, taught her to read and write. Despite not working outside the home, Ms. Tran ran some small businesses. She managed a prosperous coffee garden, fostering a joyful family life. The political shifts of 1975 marked a challenging period, but her family found solace in Australia in 1983. Unfortunately, two years later, Ms. Tran's husband passed away, leaving her to support the family alone.
With resilience, Ms. Tran leaned on her community for support, reciprocating through mutual assistance. Her dedication bore fruit, as her children excelled academically and professionally, bringing her immense pride. Now a matriarch of 23 grandchildren pursuing successful careers, Ms Tran's family bonds remain strong.
Ms. Tran embodies independence and optimism, finding joy in nature, gardening, and community activities at Chung Wah Community Care (Chung Wah CC). Regular exercise, particularly tai chi, is integral to maintaining her health, allowing her to relish her golden years despite battling diabetes.
Her love for festive events, beautiful attire, and engaging in conversations with fellow elderly participants at Balcatta further enriches Ms Tran's life. Grateful for the vibrancy community activities bring, she looks forward to staying healthy and enjoying the golden era of her life.
Chung Wah has been servicing the WA community since 1909, dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, Chung Wah CC has over 35 years of professional care experience helping seniors and people with disability improve their well-being and better integrate into the community. In 2023, we're promoting our theme, "Embrace, Elevate & Flourish", and build a better community for all.