Chen Suk-ying

Chen Shuying was born on August 19, 1893, in Honolulu, and was originally from Nanmeng Chadong Village in Xiangshan County, Guangdong (now Zhongshan City). Her maternal grandfather, Sun Guancheng, was the third uncle of Sun Yat-sen. Her father, Chen Qiuguang, was a Chinese overseas resident living in Honolulu, and her mother was Sun Yat-sen’s cousin. During her youth, Chen Shuying became related to Sun Nuk and was classmates with him while sheltering in Honolulu; the two maintained close relations. Chen Shuying’s father was a member of the Chinese United League and supported Sun Yat-sen’s anti-Qing revolutionary activities early on, providing funds and support, and establishing a deep friendship with Sun Yat-sen.

On May 20, 1912, Chen Shuying married Sun Nuk in Honolulu. After marriage, the couple studied at the University of California, but in 1913, after the birth of their eldest son Sun Zhiping, Chen Shuying interrupted her studies. In 1917, she returned to China with Sun Nuk to settle there.

In the early stages of the Anti-Japanese War, Chen Shuying resided in Hong Kong. She initiated the formation of the “Chinese Youth Ambulance Corps,” dispatching rescue teams to the front lines against the Japanese invasion. Her act of raising the flag before departure was honored as “Mother of the Ambulance Corps.” In spring 1947, she served as chairman of the Zhongshan County Orphanage, dedicating herself to children’s welfare, and participated in the work of the Zhongshan Cultural and Educational Hall, Youth Association, social and cultural groups, and charitable organizations. Subsequently, she was awarded the honorary title of President of the Zhongshan Hometown Association worldwide.

In November 1947, Chen Shuying was elected as a delegate to the first National Assembly. In spring 1948, she assisted Sun Nuk in running for Vice President. In 1965, she accompanied Sun Nuk back to Taiwan, restored her qualification as a “National Assembly delegate,” and was later elected as a member of the Kuomintang Central Evaluation Committee, being the oldest evaluator at the time. She announced her retirement from this position in September 1989.

In her family life, Chen Shuying had a eldest son, Sun Zhiping; a second son, Sun Zhiqiang; eldest daughter, Sun Suiying; and second daughter, Sun Suihua. Known for her frugality, kindness, and harmonious family relations, she led a simple and generous life.

Chen Shuying passed away at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital on June 30, 1990, at the age of 98. Her life spanned numerous fields including family, public welfare, and politics, and her contributions to anti-Japanese rescue efforts, children’s welfare, and social culture have been recorded in history.