Woman celebrates 110th birthday with 115-strong brood

Some grandchildren and great-grandchildren who live far away or work abroad sent their best wishes and gifts.

At the party, Yen read some poems and proverbs as a way of giving back to her family.

Ho Thi Yen (fourth front row) and her family during her 110th birthday party on January 27, 2023. Photo courtesy of Nguyen Dinh Ngu

The Nghe An People’s Committee extended its best wishes and greetings to Yen and other seniors in the province.

Yen’s husband was also from Hoang Mai Town, formerly known as Quynh Luu District.

The couple spent many years of their youth in the Vietnamese army. They then became agriculturalists and had nine children, of whom three died at a young age.

Ho Thi Yen from central Nghe An Province. Photo courtesy of Ngu

Four of the remaining six children, three boys and girls each, fought in the Vietnam War. Now they have their own families and live around the country.

Nguyen Dinh Ngu, 60, Yen’s fifth child and one who has taken care of her for many years, said: “My mother has 28 grandkids, 72 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.”

His mother was seriously ill when she was 85, he said. But she recovered with treatment, and since then doctor visits have been infrequent.

Her vision declined by the time she turned 90.

Despite her poor eyesight and difficulty walking, her children and grandchildren help her go for a daily walk in the park.