Obituary of Annamma Mathew

Annamma Mathew, was born on January 27,1927 to Mr. Cherian Mathen and Mrs. Annamma Cherian of Kozhimala Nediyakalayil House, Kidangannor, Kerala, India. Known affectionately by those who knew and loved her as "Ammachi," she was dedicated to her family and her life was defined by her love for both. As the oldest of five children, Ammachi embraced responsibility at a young age. She was a doting older sister who adored and cared for her younger siblings without hesitation or any expectation of reciprocity. At eighteen years old, she married Mr. Geevarughese Mathai of Mullanakuzhiyil, Mezhuveli. Over the course of their marriage, which spanned 74 years, she was a devoted wife and loving mother to their five children. Her hospitality and affection knew no bounds and grew to unrivaled dimensions upon the arrival of her grandchildren, and later her great grandchildren. They were her whole life and she was Consistently willing to go above and beyond to make sure they were fully aware of the depth of her love and devotion to them. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her family, filling their lives with prayer, their hearts with affection, and their stomachs with her delicious cooking. As anyone who knew her can attest to, when you were with her, one things was certain: your stomach and heart were filled to the brim, and frequently overflowing. The only thing more important to Ammachi then her family, was her faith. Her life was marked by steadfast fidelity to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was her Daughter Leelamma, who first came to the Pentecostal Faith and guided Ammachi, and the remainder of the family, to Christ. Ammachi subsequently took water baptism in 1977 and became a member of Indian Pentecostal Church (IPC) in Kuzhikala. She was a zealous worshiper; nothing irked her more than missing a church service. She was also a spiritual warrior, spending much of her time meditating on scriptures and fervently praying. She maintained that devoutness throughout her life, regularly worshipping at churches attended by her children including Bronx Full Gospel Assembly, Indian Pentecostal Church New Jersey (Kenilworth), Pentecostal Church of God (Clifton), and New Testament Church (Yonkers). Ammachi was preceded into glory by her daughter, Leelamma Thomas, and just three months ago by her loving husband Geevarughese Mathai. She is survived by her children and their families: George (Kunjumon) Mathew and Sosamma George, Annamma (Ammini) and T.D. Robertson, Joseph Thomas (husband of the late Leelamma Thomas), Lisy and Shaji George, Mathew (Samkutty) and Daizy Cherian. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren, and was fortunate enough to see her fourth generation, which includes 7 great-grandchildren. Her younger sisters Mariamma Varghese, Thankamma Mathew and their Families also survive her in Kerala, India. Her Brothers, N.C. Thomas (Ummachan) and N.C. Babykutty preceded her into glory, although their families survive her as well in Kerala, India. Ammachi was remarkable woman, cut from a different cloth- one made from the highest caliber of fabric. She was the epitome of love. Her smile could light up a room and her laugh was infectious. We will miss her vibrant personality. We appreciate the time we had with her on this earth and honor and celebrate her life, a life that was by every measure, well-lived. The funeral on Saturday, February 9th, at 10:00 AM from the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street , Hackensack, N.J. with burial following at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 – 9PM for visitation.