Anita Mui's Mother Dies at 102, Two Decades After Legendary Singer's Passing
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN

Summary
Tam Mei-kam, the mother of legendary Cantopop singer Anita Mui Yim-fong, passed away on Sunday at the age of 102, nearly two decades after her daughter's death. The elderly woman collapsed at her home in the Leigyinn Building on Leighton Road in Causeway Bay while being fed by her domestic helper. Despite paramedics' efforts, she was pronounced dead at Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai. Police have ruled the death non-suspicious.
Key Points
- Tam Mei-kam collapsed at approximately 10:30am on Sunday while her Indonesian domestic helper was feeding her liquid oatmeal in her Causeway Bay flat
- Paramedics rushed Tam to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai, where doctors attempted resuscitation but could not save her; she was pronounced dead at 11:27am
- The 31-year-old Indonesian helper immediately called police after the collapse at the Leigyinn Building at 62 Leighton Road
- Tam had a documented history of heart disease and hypertension, requiring regular medication and a liquid diet, according to police sources
- Police inspected her home and found no suspicious circumstances or injuries; the case has been referred to the Wan Chai district miscellaneous inquiries subunit
Why It Matters
Anita Mui, who died in December 2003 at age 40 from cervical cancer and respiratory complications, was one of Hong Kong's most iconic performers, earning the title "Cantopop Diva" for her groundbreaking contributions to music and film . The passing of her mother marks the end of a direct connection to one of the city's most celebrated cultural figures, prompting reflection on Mui's enduring legacy that continues to influence Asian pop culture more than two decades after her death.
Anita Mui, who died in December 2003 at age 40 from cervical cancer and respiratory complications, was one of Hong Kong's most iconic performers, earning the title "Cantopop Diva" for her groundbreaking contributions to music and film . The passing of her mother marks the end of a direct connection to one of the city's most celebrated cultural figures, prompting reflection on Mui's enduring legacy that continues to influence Asian pop culture more than two decades after her death.