Honouring the Life and Spirit of Chan Man-yee
The world has lost a beacon of positivity and resilience. Chan Man-yee, the esteemed founder of the Happy Life Association and widow of the late Liao Kai-chi, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the Prince of Wales Hospital. Surrounded by the love of her family, she departed this world leaving behind a legacy that teaches us how to live—and leave—with grace.
Her passing was announced by her sons, Liao Wen-zhe and Liao Wen-xin, who expressed deep gratitude to the medical staff for their care. In accordance with her wishes, her farewell services will be held privately, ensuring a serene transition as she “returns to the embrace of the Father.”
A Journey of Resilience and Faith
Chan Man-yee’s final years were a testament to her strength. Having battled chronic illness, she was open about her health struggles. Last year, she shared a poignant photo of herself by a window, revealing that she had undergone urgent surgery at the Chinese University Hospital. Despite the physical toll, her spirit remained unbroken, constantly reminding her followers that “everything will get better.”
Her openness about her condition served as a guide for many dealing with chronic health challenges, emphasizing that physical limitations do not define one’s capacity for joy.
The Happy Life Association: Happiness as a Practice
More than just a title, Chan Man-yee was a visionary who believed that happiness is not a destination or an external achievement, but an internal skill. Through the Happy Life Association, she advocated for the belief that “happiness can be practiced.”
Her philosophy was built upon the “Five Elements of Happiness,” focusing on:
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- Self-Awareness: The starting point for any meaningful change.
- Connection: Creating bonds that sow the seeds of a supportive culture.
- Mind-Body-Spirit Integration: A holistic approach to wellbeing.
- Nourishment: Cultivating the inner capacity to remain peaceful.
- Action: Actively practicing gratitude and kindness in daily life.
The “Life Graduation Ceremony”: Facing Death with Peace
Perhaps the most moving aspect of Chan Man-yee’s journey was her proactive approach to death. Refusing to let fear dictate her final days, she organized what she called a “Living Farewell Party”. This was not a celebration of ending, but a celebration of completion.
She referred to her actual funeral as a “Life Graduation Ceremony,” asking loved ones to applaud her departure because she felt she had completed the lessons her soul needed to learn in this lifetime. By preparing her will and her funeral photos in advance, she removed the burden of grief-stricken decision-making from her children, replacing anxiety with a profound sense of peace.
A Final Message to the World
The Happy Life Association continues to carry forward her mission. Her final wish for all of us is simple yet powerful: “Live well, embrace happiness.”
Chan Man-yee’s life teaches us that while we cannot predict the length of our journey, we have total control over the quality of our presence. By practicing awareness and fostering connection, we can all become “seeds of happiness” that bloom and give back to the world.
