Mariamma Mathew

Mariamma Mathew (Ammachi) went into eternal rest on April 19, 2023 at the age of 101, surrounded by her children. She was born on January 2, 1922 in Amaloor, Kerala to the late Thomas Kuruvilla and Sosamma Thomas. She was born as one of three triplets and it was God’s miracle that she was the only infant to survive. She had 4 brothers and 3 sisters: the late N.T. Joseph, the late Kutiyamma Chacko, the late N.T. Chacko, the late Thangamma Philip, the late N.T. Thomas, Kunjamma Daniel and N.T. Kuruvilla.

At the age of 12 Ammachi married Mathen K Mathew (Appachen), Kizhakekara, Anicadu, Mallapally. Her mother and widowed mother-in-law were friends and arranged their marriage. She met Appachen for the first time at the altar on their wedding day and they were happily married for 65 years. Through the unwavering faith and support of family they survived the Great Depression amidst many economic challenges and setbacks.

She was blessed with 8 children, 4 sons and 4 daughters. One son, the late Eapen K. Mathew, (Raju) passed away at the age of 5 of diphtheria. She is survived by her remaining 7 children: Mathew K. Mathew & Mariamma Mathew, Grace Zachariah & the late C.V. Zachariah, Thomas K. Mathews & Ponnamma Mathews, Susamma Babu & Babu Thomas, Alice Chacko & the late T.C. Chacko, Sajan K. Mathew & Susan Mathew, and Molamma Thomas & George Thomas. She is survived by 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Ammachi had the opportunity to live with her children in India, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. She will forever be remembered for her prayerful life, contagious smile, and sense of humor.