WHEN an operation put 14 screws in her spine two years ago, Mrs Jane Kee shrugged off the pain and continued to volunteer with the Singapore Children's Society Student Care Centre in Henderson.
She had been holding reading programmes and etiquette lessons for primary school children there since 2009.
It was only when the former primary school English teacher had to be confined to the bed that she stopped helping.
Mrs Kee finally lost her battle with lung cancer and died in February, aged 78.
For her dedication, the Children's Society posthumously honoured her with a Silver Service Award at last night's Singapore Children's Society Awards Presentation held at the Pan Pacific Singapore.
Her husband, Mr Richard Kee, 84, received the award on her behalf and said that it would have made for a good birthday present had his wife been alive - her birthday passed barely five days ago on June 13.
"I am glad that her work is being appreciated. She would have been surprised and honoured... She did not do this to get something out of it, but because she wanted to help and liked what she was doing," added Mr Kee.
Ms Samantha Lim, head of the Student Care Centre (Henderson), said Mrs Kee came to the centre weekly "without fail" and even prepared her own lesson materials.
"She was a very jovial woman who was passionate about teaching the next generation and contributing back to the society... She never forgot about our children even when she was not physically at our centre," she added.
Mrs Kee joins 64 other donors and volunteers recognised at this year's ceremony.
Mrs Maria Shiu-Siu Lai Yee, 64, received the Ruth Wong Award given for outstanding service and leadership. She has helped in many of the Society's activities, including its 60th anniversary celebrations and the publication of a parenting guide series.
Another top awardee is Mr Lim Hong Beng, 54, who received the Gopal Haridas Award. He raised a record $1.143 million at the Society's Charity Gala Dinner last year, serving as the event's project chairman.
