Obituary of Annamma Varughese

Annamma Varughese (Gracy) was born on October 13th, 1950, to K. I. Thomas and Mariamma Thomas of Keeyathu House, Othera (Thiruvalla), Kerala, India. Gracy had the reputation of being a hard working woman, a caring daughter, and a loving sister. As the sixth of nine children, she had a special relationship with each of her siblings. After graduating from A.M.M. High School in Thiruvalla, Gracy moved to Madras to tend to her pregnant sister and her children. Gracy’s dedication to her sister led to the serendipitous beginning of her own family life. Gracy met her future husband, Varughese Vazhakunnathu (Ponnukutty), who was working in Madras. The two fell in love and got married on January 17, 1972 at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Kattoor. Gracy and Ponnukutty relocated to Trivandrum where Ponnukutty began his career at the Indian Space Research Organization. They were active members of St. George Orthodox Cathedral, Trivandrum as well as the Hallelujah Prayer Ministry. Gracy deeply valued snehabandham and her relationships with the people she loved emulated warmth and affection. She fostered very close relationships with those in her community and beyond. She was very fond of her friends and traveled all over India with them. These bonds have continued throughout her life. Gracy and Ponnukutty’s relationship was the epitome of devotion. They were not only husband and wife, but lifelong companions. Their love shined brightest during the most difficult times. In December 1974, Gracy and Ponnukutty were blessed with their only son, Noble, who immediately became the center of her world. Noble’s health and happiness were Gracy’s core focus. In 1990, Gracy and her family immigrated to the US to settle her son with family for his education and returned to Trivandrum. In 2001, when Noble got married to Sheelu, Gracy finally got the daughter she had always wanted. Gracy and Ponnukutty returned to the U.S. in 2003 to celebrate the birth of their first grandchild, Nicole, and made the decision to settle in the US in 2005. Gracy was diagnosed with a chronic lung condition in her early adulthood but her weakened lungs only strengthened her heart, as she continued to pour her love to everyone around her. Gracy shared a very special relationship with her sisters. She spent hours chatting with each one about stories from their childhood and asking after each of her nieces, nephews, their spouses and children. Their bond, unique for the endless laughter and joy, only deepened over the years and shaped the next generation. She also held a deep faith, spending every Wednesday evening together with her siblings participating in family prayer –- a tradition they started and uphold to this day. Gracy continued to maintain her hardworking lifestyle, seamlessly caring for others throughout the many years that followed. Gracy’s proudest role was that of an adoring and nurturing grandmother. She loved spending time with her granddaughters, who doted on her tirelessly and gave special attention to her only grandson, showering them all with endless love. In recent years, her condition worsened and after a faithful battle, Gracy was called to eternal rest on October 30, 2023 at the age of 73. She is survived by her husband Ponnukutty, her son Noble and his wife, Sheelu, and their children Nicole, Noelle, and Nathan. She is also survived by her six beloved siblings: Roohamma, Mani and her husband Monichen, Lal and his wife Joyce, Elcy and her husband Kunjumon, Tity and her husband Joy, Mercy and her husband Babu, along with her sister-in-law Aleyamma Itty (wife of her late brother Thomas Itty). She will also be missed dearly by her nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends. She is now blessed to be reunited with her parents, brothers (Late Mr. Thomas Itty and Late Mr. George Thomas) and nephew (Late Rev. Fr. Andrew Daniel), in the safe arms of the Lord.