Obituaries
Easo Daniel
Easo Daniel
[November 30, 1929 - July 6, 2024]
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.”
- 2 Timothy 4:7
Easo Daniel (94) of Stroudsburg, PA, passed away on Saturday, 6 July 2024, at his residence. Born the eldest of six children to the late Mr. Daniel Puthupallil and the late Mrs. Sosamma Daniel, Easo, lovingly called Kunjuchayan by his family and later Daniel Appachan by numerous Sunday School students, lived out his life fruitfully for his Lord and Savior.
Born in Edayaranmula, Kerala, India at the onset of the Great Depression, Easo was determined to overcome innumerable challenges to help raise his siblings. In 1955, after a printing apprenticeship in Chennai, he was recruited to work in East Africa. There he met his wife of 55 years, the late Mrs. Mariamma Daniel and the couple had three children. He worked in Kampala for the country’s largest newspaper The Uganda Argus.
In 1972, Easo led his family away from a bloody civil conflict and eventually settled in the U.S. That was fifty years ago. They made their home in Hillside, NJ while Easo worked in South Plainfield, and then in Trenton for 20 years, as an editor for publications of the Office of Administrative Law for the State of New Jersey before retiring and moving to Stroudsburg.
His passion was for serving God with enthusiasm and it showed in his work with the church. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Mar Thoma Church in the US and a founding member of the New Jersey Chapter. He energetically taught in the Mar Thoma Sunday School helping mold generations of children. He served as the Sunday School Headmaster and its Superintendent for many years. In retirement, he volunteered his time at the Pocono Medical Center/Lehigh Valley Hospital and local nursing homes.
Easo was an eternal optimist, an avid gardener, and loved meeting new people. He loved singing hymns among which his favorites were, “Amazing Grace,” “O Lord my God” and numerous Malayalam hymns, especially ones composed by Sadhu Kochukunju Upadeshi. He was known for responding to comments by friends with appropriate lyrics from hymns. He was also known for his exceptional memory and sharp wit.
Easo Daniel is survived by his three children: son George (April), his grandchildren Samuel and Priyana; daughter Susan (George Kalarikkal), his grandchildren Philip (Sherin), great-grandchildren Lilian and Rayanne; Christina (Gregory McCutchen), James (Kimberlee Letizi), great-grandchildren Layla and Chase; and son John (Usha), grandchildren Sareena, Anisa and Kiran.
He is also survived by his sisters Aleyamma Eapen of Chengannur, India, Mary Thomas of Perth, Australia, Anne Koshy of Dayton, OH, several cousins, nephews, nieces and many relatives.
We are grateful to all our family and friends, the members of the New Jersey Mar Thoma Church, Rev. Mathew Varughese, Sally Kochamma, and all previous vicars who served, for all their love and support. We express our special gratitude to the Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Poulose Episcopa for going out of his way to visit Appachan on his deathbed. We gratefully appreciate the hospice care team at St. Luke’s Hospital Monroe County for providing exceptional care to Appachan under the leadership of his longtime physician and friend, Dr. Douglas Degler. We also extend our thanks to Bensing- Thomas Funeral Home and all those who visited in person and called to extend their love and support.
Details of Wake and funeral service:
Sunday, 14 July 2024
Viewing: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Click here for Live Video Stream.
Monday, 15 July 2024
Viewing: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM at Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home, 401 North 5th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
Interment Burial : 10.45 AM at Mountainview Mausoleum at the Prospect Cemetery, 501 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
Click here for Live Video Stream.
Susan Philip
Susan Philip
[April 19, 2024]
Loving wife, mother, sister & friend
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
- John 14:1-4
Susan Philip, loving wife of the late Philips 'Joby' Philip (Allummootil Malayil House, Venmony, Kerala, India), and devoted mother of Jeril and Cecil, and grandmother of Zara, Ayva and Lyla, was taken by the Lord on April 19, 2024.
Born in Kallooppara (Maret Parakadavil House), Kerala, India, Susan was the first child of the late P.P. Ninan Maret and Annamma Ninan Maret. After arriving in the United States in 1978, and eventually settling in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, Susan spent more than three decades working tirelessly as a dedicated nurse at various medical facilities and institutions in New Jersey.
Susan was relentless in her love and advocacy for her family, and was driven to make life happier for her husband, her children, her parents, her siblings and all of their families, as well as Joby's family and the friends of her family, who she wholeheartedly loved without question as well. Her greatest joy was in speaking about having all of her siblings and their families living close to her home in New Jersey. She was and is forever grateful that the Lord allowed her brothers and sisters to be so close to her throughout her life.
Susan is survived by Jeril and Cecil and their families; Susan raised Jeril and Cecil to be men of strong faith and instilled in them values that serve as the foundation for their families now and in the days ahead. Susan is also survived by her brothers Alias 'Sojan' Maret and Philip 'Sabu' Maret, and sisters Aleyamma 'Kunjumol' Varughese, Saramma 'Sally' Mathew, Annamma 'Ammini' Mathew and Usha George, and the spouses, children and grandchildren of her siblings. Susan is also survived by Joby’s brothers and sisters and their spouses, children and grandchildren. She will truly be missed by her family, her friends, her neighbors and her greater community.
Details of Wake and funeral service:
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Viewing: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service: 7.30 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Click here for Live Video Stream.
Wednesday, 24 April 2024
Viewing: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service : 10.00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery (225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936)
Click here for Live Video Stream.
Aleyamma Mathai
Aleyamma Mathai
[April 1, 1928 - February 10, 2024]
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day”
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Aleyamma Mathai, was born into Pullavallil family, Maramon, Kerala on April 1, 1928, to P.T. Koshy and Mariamma Koshy. She was the second of six children, the late Annamma Koshy, late Mariamma Chacko, late P.K. Thomas, late Koshy P. Koshy and her surviving sister, Susan Zachariah. In her childhood, she developed a love for music through singing and learning to play the harmonium. She was a born leader among all siblings and was always dedicated to serving others.
After finishing teachers training, Aleyamma worked as a teacher for 35 years; at Mankombu Govt School where she later became the headmistress (Principal) and then retired from Vettiyar Govt. School (aka Irattapallikkudam).
She married the late P.G. Mathai on Jan 14, 1960, of Palolil house, Edappon, Kerala. She was blessed with three children, Susan, Susano, and George, sons-in-laws Babu and Abraham, daughter-in-law Darly, five grandchildren, Bibin and his wife Reshma, Dr. Babina and her husband Roshin, Anup and his wife Dr. Gabriella, Dr. Allen, and Divya, and a great-grandson, Juan.
She immigrated to the United States in 1986 and became a committed member of The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey. Her faith in the Lord was strong. Her favorite song ‘Yeshu Ennadisthanam aasha avanilathre’, gave her strength and peace during her last days.
She will be remembered as a staunch believer, who kept and brought her children up in faith. She will be missed, and her memory will remain an asset for many. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was also a role model for everyone, demonstrating how to live a life centered around Jesus.
Details of Wake and funeral service:
Click here for Live Video Stream during the below services.
Monday, 19 Feb 2024
Viewing: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service: 7.30 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Tuesday, 20 Feb 2024
Viewing: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service : 10.00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery (225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936)
John Mathew
John Mathew
[Aug 27, 1938 - January 28, 2023]
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day”
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8
John Mathew, 84, went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 28, 2023. John Mathew (also called Thampan by our Kerala Malayalee community) was born on August 27, 1938 to P. J. John and Aleyamma John in Eraviperoor, Kerala, India. Mr. P. J. John belonged to the Poozhikalayil family in Thadiyoor, Kerala, India, and Mrs. Aleyamma
John belonged to the Valliathannikal family in Eraviperoor, Kerala, India.
John spent his childhood in Kerala, India and British Africa, before continuing his adult education in England.
John married his wife Susan (Kulathakal family) on December 30, 1968.
John worked for Texaco, Inc. for over 30 years as an Accountant in England, then New York City, and later Beacon, NY; before retiring in 1998.
John was a founding member of The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, where he also served as church Trustee, Accountant, was involved in the Edavaka Mission and very much involved in their charitable works.
John survived a battle with cancer, but later succumbed to the decline of physical and cognitive function. He passed away on January 28, 2023 at his home in Hopewell Junction, NY, surrounded by family. The family would like to thank the many family members, friends, and caregivers, that provided support for John and Susan during this time.
John Mathew is survived by his devoted wife Susan (Santha), his son Dr. Aby J. Mathew, his son and daughter-in-law Roy and Stacy Mathew, and his precious grandchildren, Roy and Stacy’s children, Jacob, Sienna, and Derek. He is also survived by his 3 brothers and 2 sisters: Ninan John (Hannah, deceased), John Philip (Susamma), P. J. George (Rachel), Alice Abraham (Abraham Thomas), and Annie Thomas (Thomaskutty).
Details of Wake and funeral service:
Click here for Live Video Stream during the below services.
Friday, 3 Feb 2023
Viewing: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service: 7.30 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Saturday, 4 Feb 2023
Viewing: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service : 10.00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery (225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936)
Samuel Mathai
Samuel Mathai
[Dec 12, 1947 - January 22, 2023]
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day”
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Samuel Mathai (Babykutty) 75, entered into heavenly abode on January 22, 2023. He was born on December 12, 1947 to the late Mr. T. M Samuel and Mrs. Rachel Samuel, Mangalathu Bethel, Venmony, Alapuzha. He grew up with four sisters, Gracy, Mariamma (Ammini), Aleyamma (Molly), Annamma (Valsa), whom he helped raise while their father was away for work in the Indian government.
He graduated high school with honors in 1964. In 1969, Samuel Mathai received his Bachelors degree, with Honors, in Organic Chemistry from NSS College, Pandalam, Kerala.
At his home parish, Sehion Mar Thoma Church, Venmony, he was among the founding members of the Youth League, taught as a Sunday School and VBS teacher, and performed as a choir coordinator. His lifelong devotion to Christ and his unwavering faith in God fueled his passion for service to the Church, and for his kindhearted altruism to family, friends, and neighbors alike.
After his education, he had briefly worked as a chemistry teacher in a private college. In 1973, he was one among the three selected out of thousands to work for the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, where he completed his 33 years of service. He had been stationed all over India throughout the span of his career,and had personally escorted the late Indian Prime Minister, Mrs.Indira Gandhi, as well as other VIPs.
He married Aleyamma Thomas (Ammukutty) of the Kochu-Vadakedathu family, Edayaranmula, on Jan 14th 1980. They have two sons Sam Mathew and Tom Mathew.
After opting for a voluntary retirement from his rank of Deputy Superintendent in 2006, he migrated to the US, joining his wife and children.
Samuel Mathai was an active member of The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey since he came to New Jersey.
His sense of humor and sharp wit always brought a smile to friends and family alike. He was very intelligent and held a broad spectrum of knowledge on various topics ranging from Calculus to Shakespeare. He was family oriented, modest, well-disciplined and left a legacy that will be cherished forever. And above all, he was God-fearing man who built his faith on the foundation of Rock that is Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer.
He passed away on Sunday, January 22nd 2023 at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, NJ, surrounded by family and friends. He is now safe in the arms of the Lord whom he served his entire life, and is finally reunited with his forebears.
Details of Wake and funeral service:
Click here for Live Video Stream during the below services.
Friday, 27 Jan 2023
Viewing: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service: 7.30 PM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Saturday, 28 Jan 2023
Viewing: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Funeral service : 10.00 AM at The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph
Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery (225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936)
Jesus said “You are the Light of the World”. Every believer and member of the Mar Thoma Church should take up the responsibility to lighten others and hence our motto – Lighted to Lighten.