Sherly Illikattil Tomi

Our amazing Mom, Sherly, was born on September 22, 1964 as Sherly James in Kottayam, India, to parents James and Alice Muringothu. She was the fourth of five children and the youngest daughter. She briefly lived in Ernakulum before moving back to Kottayam with her family. Her parents and family lovingly called her Sherlymol, but her Papa had a special nickname for her, he called her his Honeyachan or Honey for short. As the youngest daughter, no matter what sneaky trouble she caused, she would almost always get out of it. She was assigned the least labor intensive chores and told us stories of how she was often the first sibling to get nice new things. As she pursued her higher studies, she had a keen interest in studying Botany. However, she had a change of heart and decided to pursue Nursing. She was accepted into Nursing School in Ajmer, India, where she made lifelong friends and danced at many school functions.

Upon graduating, she worked in New Delhi, India, when her Papa saw a Knanaya matrimonial ad for a handsome and intelligent, young Respiratory Therapist from the United States. after chatting for about 15 minutes, she decided he was the one she was going to marry. On January 11, 1990 she married Tomi Kuruvilla from the Illikattil family. They welcomed their first daughter, Jenny, and shortly after, moved to Des Plaines, Illinois to be united with her husband. They later grew their family by welcoming two daughters- Jensine and Justina. In 1997, they decided to move to Snellville, Georgia to be closer to family. She spent many years chasing after her three beautiful daughters and shared their mutual passion for dance. She spent countless hours choreographing dances and shuttling them back and forth between dance classes, sports, and other extracurricular activities.

Though she did not pursue a career in Botany, she had a green thumb, and was a dedicated gardener who spent countless hours tending to her plants. She was known for being an excellent cook especially for her meen curry and achar. Mummy was a hard working nurse, active community member of the Knanaya Community, and a devout Catholic. She went to church daily and prayed for anyone who was in need. She spent much of her career working as a nurse at Emory University Hospital where she was a beloved colleague and adored by her patients. However, her favorite role was becoming Achi, and she helped raise all four of her grandchildren with a full heart and all the love in the world.

Our Mom was selfless and the definition of pure, unconditional love. She was the best mama bear and our fiercest protector. She was a loving and loyal wife to her best friend Tomi for 34 years. The love and bond she had with her grandchildren was magical. She LOVED her family more than anything in this world and never let us forget it even for a moment. Her love is the thread that ties our family together. She is and always will be our home.

A visitation for Sherly will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Holy Family Knanaya Catholic Church, 3885 Rosebud Rd., Loganville, GA. A funeral service will occur Friday, October 18, 2024 at 9:00 AM at Holy Family Knanaya Catholic Church.

Sherly will be laid to rest in Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, 3700 Stone Mountain Hwy , Snellville, GA.