They married on June 6, 1987. Their May-December union, now at the 22-year mark, has endured through sickness and health.
For the first 15 years of their marriage, Mrs Quek, now 48 and a housewife, battled schizophrenia, a psychiatric condition which causes paranoia, delusion and hallucination. Her symptoms now appear to be under control, with her last attack in 2004.
Through it all, her husband, who knew about her condition when he married her, remained by her side. Mr Quek, 67, says: 'I'm a very loyal person by nature. Of course I would not dump her.'
There were many trying situations to overcome. Schizophrenia often led Mrs Quek to act irrationally. At times, she disappeared from their home, and he had to phone hospitals and police stations to locate her.
The worst incident happened in 2004. Seized by a bout of paranoia, she rang the police claiming to know of a terrorist bomb plot.
The couple were almost charged for falsely relaying information, but were let off when medical reports proved she was suffering from a mental condition.
The memories still touch a raw nerve. Midway through the interview, Mr Quek breaks down. Fighting back tears, he explains: 'I had to adjust myself to her but that takes time. I suffered and learnt and cried many times.
'But something her doctor said to me helped. He said 'don't feel guilty. When she's angry, it's the person closest to her who will get it'.'
His wife reaches over to hold him, saying fondly: 'That means he's the closest to me.'
Mrs Quek has similarly supported her husband through poor health. He says good-naturedly: 'You name it, I've got it. Stroke, prostate cancer, diabetes, arthritis, gout, hypertension. But all under control... we take turns to be sick.'
Though their only son, 21-year-old Nicholas, is now serving national service, the couple's life is far from empty. They take part regularly in activities organised by retirees group SilverHairs Club and organise picnics with friends.
Mrs Quek says: 'We laugh a lot together. He makes me laugh so much.'
Keeping in good spirits helps them stay positive when faced with the prospect of old age and sickness.
'He's promised me to live till 100 and then we will 'go' together,' she says. Turning to her husband, she adds: 'So when you're 100 and I'm 81, okay lah, we can 'go' already.'
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
