Mrs. Thankamma Cherian, lovingly known as Mummy to her family and friends, selflessly nourished people around her with love and inspiration. She served her God with all her heart and soul and held fast to the oaths in His name. Faith, family, and church were her motivation for leading a life others can follow that strengthened the biblical principles to which we all aspire.
Mummy’s courage and foundation came from her Orthodox faith. She loved to participate in the Holy Qurbana, pray the daily prayers, and engage in all aspects of church life. During the pandemic and later as her health was compromised, she would wake up early to attend the service remotely so that she can continue to be part of the Holy Qurbana. She served the church through various ministries including the Martha Mariam Samajam and Prayer Groups in Kerala and later in Bhilai. She continued to stay engaged in the church activities after coming to the United States. Church was one of the places where she felt the purpose to be a mom to those who needed a mom, be a sister to those who needed a sister, and a friend to all. She served, with an open heart and affection, anyone who came to her house.
Mummy was born on July 19th, 1937, to Philipose and Aleyamma Thomas and was brought up in Kozhenzherry, Kerala. She was the youngest of three children who were brought up in a household that valued a strong relationship among the siblings and a strong connection to the community. Along with her two older brothers, Late Mr. V. T. Phillip and Late Mr. V. T. Thomas, Mummy bestowed the values that were instilled in her by her parents to her children and grandchildren.
Mummy came to the United States on May 1st, 1984, with her husband, Late Mr. Thayyil Cherian (Podichayan) and her two children Aji and Laji. She tirelessly spent her life taking care of the family while Podichayan worked for the state of New York as an Engineer with the Department of Transportation. Mummy was the best friend and love to Podichayan and he, the love of her life. They lived their lives with great respect and wholehearted love for one another as they strived to provide a future for the next generations. They stood strong together in the relentless faith of our God throughout hardship, adversity, happiness, and health and undoubtedly, will continue to be together in heaven. They will continue to shine a light upon everyone they loved and be a strong beacon for those who need intercession prayers.
Mummy served as a mother figure to so many children, nieces, and nephews, and served as a Godmother to several children of her family, including her granddaughters. She was most content to serve her children, grandchildren, and her extended loved ones who were her pride and joy. Mummy’s family will continue to honor her life and legacy through faith in our Lord and love and respect for the community.
Mummy is survived by her children Aji, Suma, Laji, and Annie, and by her five grandchildren Jasmine, Ashish, Anjana, Jocelyn, and Alvin, and by her great great-grandchild Aiden. She is remembered by all her nieces and nephews, especially Suja Mathew, Achenkunju and family, who helped care for Mummy during her last moments.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 24, 2022 from 4-9pm at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home 145 E. Mount Pleasant Ave., Livingston, NJ.
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