Mariamma Varghese's Obituary
Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will surely help you;
I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10
Mariamma Varghese, affectionately known as Lilly, was born on June 2, 1947, in Omalloor, Pathanamthitta. She is the second child of the late Mr. A.V Thomas and Mrs. Thankamma Thomas. After graduating from the Mar Thoma High School Pathanamthitta, she went on to join nursing school at J.J. Hospital, Bombay with her family’s support. This was her lifelong dream as she had a calling to serve the sick. Soon after receiving her nursing degree, she began working in Dubai where she worked for 3 years. On January 23rd, 1975, she married Koshy Varghese also known as Babu. Lilly moved to America and settled in Pasadena, TX on February 21st, 1975. By God’s grace and provisions, she soon started working in Bayshore Hospital on February 26th, 1975, where she faithfully served for the next 38 years – 23 years in Cardiac ICU and 15 years in Neonatal ICU. During those years of her life, there were many trials and tribulations; however, she always persevered and had an unwavering faith in Christ. Lilly was blessed with her first child of special needs – Libu, and later with 2 more boys. She sacrificed much of her life for her family by working nights to ensure her kids would get a proper education and care at home. She instilled Christian values to her family through her example and witness. Her passion for God was evident in her everyday life and in her commitment to worshipping on Sunday mornings even after coming home from a 12-hr nightshift. She was generous in her support for anyone in need and those in ministry. She was a faithful member of the Trinity Mar Thoma Church, Houston, from the early days of meeting in a school cafeteria to the current sanctuary we now worship in. She touched the lives of many people she encountered through her genuine compassion and care.
Lilly is survived by her husband, Mr. Koshy Varghese and 3 boys, Libu Varghese, Dr. Lesly Varghese and Rev. Larry Varghese. With many years of putting up with us boys, she was blessed with 2 beautiful daughters-in-law whom she cherished, Dr. Seema Varghese and Roshin Abraham along with 5 granddaughters Anjali, Asha, Riya, Shalini and Chloe and her only grandson, Eli. She is also survived by her sister Mrs. Annamma Philip and family and brother Thomas Varghese and family. She is especially survived by a legacy of faithfulness to God. She was known by God, and she made it her life’s goal to help others know Christ. By the grace of God, she was surrounded by all her family when she was called home to be with the Lord fully. We are truly grateful to God for her life. In hope and exhortation, we look forward to joining her in the assembly of those gathered in Christ’s name.
25But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end, He will stand upon the earth. 26Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.
Job 19:25-26
What’s your fondest memory of Mariamma?
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Describe a day with Mariamma you’ll never forget.
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