Grace M. Thomas

Grace M. Thomas, aged 90, went to be with the Lord, December 21st, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born in Kerala, India on January 11, 1933, Grace lived a life filled with love, compassion, and countless cherished memories. She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Grace was a member of the St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church in Stafford, Texas for many years. She was a pillar of strength, and resilience for her family, relatives, and co-workers. Her warm smile and kind spirit endeared her to everyone she met. Throughout her nine decades, she witnessed and embraced the ever-changing tapestry of life with unwavering compassion for others.

In 1963, she started working as a nurse at St. Lukes Hospital in Manhattan, New York. Then the family moved to New Jersey were she worked as a nurse at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey (UMDNJ). She also worked as a nurse at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, NJ. In 1979, the family moved to Houston where she worked as a nurse at Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Her zest for life and determination inspired those around her to reach for their dreams. As a loving spouse, she shared over 50 years of blissful companionship with her late husband The Reverend Fr. M. T. Thomas, creating a home filled with love and laughter.

In her later years, Grace found solace in gardening, cooking, and spending time with friends. Whether tending to her garden, pursuing artistic endeavors, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, she radiated a sense of contentment that touched the hearts of those around her. In India, Grace is survived by her two devoted sisters, Mary George Varghese, and Annamma Alexander, and two brothers, Thomas Mathew, and Abraham Mathew, and their extended families, with many nieces and nephews. Her brother and dear friend, Professor P. M. John Ph.D. passed away in July of last year in Boston, Massachusetts. Grace’s legacy extends through the enduring bonds of sibling-hood. Their shared memories and experiences will continue to be cherished, serving as a testament to the strength of family ties.

In the US, Grace is survived by her four sons, Steaphen, Peter, Joseph, Koshy, several nieces and nephews and their families. While we mourn the loss of a beloved matriarch, we also celebrate a life marked by love, laughter, and lasting connections.