Mrs. Marykutty Thomas (Leelamma) of Pomona, loving wife, mother and grandmother and a dedicated follower of Christ, was called to her heavenly abode on Wednesday, April 8, 2020.
She was born in Kottanad, Kerala, India to Mr. Andrews George and Mrs. Annamma George of Charivukalayil house. She graduated high school from Noel Memorial High School, Kariamplavu, and joined Kasturba Hospital, Delhi for her Nursing Studies.
After graduating from the Nursing School, she worked as a registered nurse for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. She married Mr. P. T. Thomas of Pottakulathu house, Keekozhoor, in 1976. They were members of the Mar Thoma Church in Karol Bagh, New Delhi.
They came to New York from Delhi in 1983 and built a beautiful life together in Rockland County and raised four amazing children. Leelamma always put the needs of others before her own which is why she excelled in her career as a nurse at various hospitals, nursing homes and healthcare agencies.
While working full-time and managing a household of four children, she was able to work her way up in the healthcare system from a Licensed Practical Nurse, to a Registered Nurse, Nursing Manager and Assistant Director, and had attended Dominican College and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
She was a pillar in her church serving as Associate Secretary and Sunday School teacher of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church New York. She was heavily involved in the Sevika Sanghom, serving as Secretary of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church NY Sevika Sanghom, Vice President of the Regional Sevika Sanghom, Secretary of Eastern Zonal Sevika Sanghom and the Secretary of the Diocesan Sevika Sanghom of the Diocese of North America and Europe. She was also a member of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church Choir for a long time and served as the Secretary of the Choir.
She was also actively involved in the Boston online prayer group and hosted the sessions regularly.
Leelamma was also involved in the Hudson Valley Malayalee Association, Town of Ramapo India Heritage Association (TRIHA), Asian Americans of Rockland (AMOR), Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (FOKANA) and Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) and marched in the India Day Parade. She attended the first convention of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) held in New York City.
In addition to being so accomplished in her career and personal life, she was the most amazing grandmother to her eight grandchildren. The joy she brought all of them cannot be put into words. She supported her family in every event, sports game, recital, and competition that they were a part of. But most importantly, she prayed over all of them ceaselessly and instilled a deep love of Christ that will be with them always. She was adored by all her grandchildren.
She is survived by her mother Mrs. Annamma George, her husband Mr. P.T. Thomas, her daughter Dr. Listy Thomas, her husband Mr. Shinu Simon and their children Luke Simon, Thomas Simon and Selah Simon; her son Mr. Litten Thomas, his wife Dr. Betsy Thomas and their children Nicholas Thomas, Jeremiah Thomas and Natalie Mary Thomas; her daughter Attorney Lincy Jacob, her husband Mr. Sony Jacob and their daughter Anna Marie Jacob; and her son Mr. Levan Thomas, his wife Dr. Tina Mathew and their daughter Evangeline Marie Thomas; her sisters Mrs. Annamma George and family in Gujrat, Mrs. Susan George and family in Kerala, Ms. Rachel Mathew and family in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Mercy George and family in Connecticut and Mrs. Mini Jacob and family in Pomona, NY. Her only brother Mr. George Andrews passed away in December 2014. Her father Mr. Andrews George went to his heavenly abode in June 2010.
Leelamma was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer on April 1, 2011. She underwent a surgery in August 2011 and was completely healed. The cancer came back in 2014, and again she was completely cured. However, she had another recurrence of cancer in October 2018, and was under chemotherapy for more than one year. In March, she began her treatment with Proton Therapy. Her faith was unshakeable throughout her battle with cancer over the previous nine years. Ultimately, before completing proton treatment, she was called to her eternal home where there will be no more pain and suffering.
A loving wife, wonderful mother, amazing grandmother, beloved sister, devoted daughter and dedicated prayer warrior, she will always be cherished by her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 11 a.m. EDT. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at 10 a.m. EDT. Given the current public health crisis, all services will be via Zoom and anyone who wishes to participate may do so by clicking the link below:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/243349350?pwd=b29tNVYyTG1Yd2lOSXlpMmtBS2FlZz09
You may also dial-in to the service by dialing the following numbers: (312) 626-6799 or (929) 205-6099. The meeting ID and password are the same for both Zoom and the phones.
Meeting ID: 243 349 350; Password: 042020
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845-782-8185; www.ssqfuneralhome.com).