Obituary of Baby Thomas

Baby Thomas (Babykutty) was born on August 19, 1942 as the fifth of six children of the Late Mr. V.C.Jacob and Late Mrs. Mariamma Jacob Vackamattom. She received her early education at St. Anne’s GHS School, then received her Bachelor’s in Chemistry at CMS College, both in Kottayam. Subsequently, she went on to receive a second Bachelor’s in Education degree at Titus Memorial Training College in Thiruvalla. She started her teaching career at the young age of 22 at St. Thomas School in Ranny and quickly became a wonderful teacher to many students, both younger and older than her. She then moved on to teach Chemistry at St. Mary Magdalene’s Girls High School, Mandiram for many decades.

On September 9th, 1968, Babykutty married Thomas Kaippakaseril, son of the Late Abraham and the Late Aleyamma Kaippakaseril from Eraviperoor Village, Thiruvalla. Their marriage took them to Veloor, Perumedu, and Conoor and they eventually settled in Chingavanam. During their 55 years of blissful wedded life, they were blessed to have three children Sindhya (Cherian Aelamkulam), Dr. Santhosh (Riya Nellickal), and Sheethal (Reno Panachamoottil). As a loving mother, she taught her children many lessons and raised them all into successful lives.

She immigrated to the United States in 1989, first to Queens, NY and then eventually settled in New Hyde Park, NY and began the next phase of her life together again with her family. Babykutty worked as a Special Education Teacher for the New York City Department of Education till her retirement. She had also briefly gone back to Chingavanam to retire as the Principal of St. Mary’s Magdalene’s Girls High School, Mandiram in the 90’s. She was the past President of the North American Knanaya Women’s Association for several years and devoted her time for many religious activities and events. Both Thomaskutty and Babykutty were active, social, and well known in their local New Hyde Park community especially amongst the seniors. Babykutty was very devoted to her family and enjoyed hosting friends and family often with lots of delicious food from curries to breads to snacks and more. She loved taking care of everyone around her and in her spare time, she also loved to garden and sew.

Thomaskutty and Babykutty remained happily married for 55 years. During this time, she battled both breast and ovarian cancer in 1994 and 2020, respectively. During the last year, Babykutty experienced more serious health issues but she never stopped fighting. She still took care of her husband and family and remained as active as she could. She overcame every challenge that was presented to her. She epitomized perseverance, diligence, strength, and a strong Christian faith. She passed on her faith to her children and grandchildren. In the last 5 months, we were witness to her fighting spirit and relentless strength. She was well-known and cared for by many wonderful aides and hospital staff who all loved her dearly.

Babykutty was called to eternal rest on May 27th, 2024 surrounded by her children. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She cherished her family and especially her 7 grandchildren Juliana, Angelina, Isaiah, Alexa, Liam, Amelia, and Luke. Her siblings are the Late V. J. Jacob Vackamattom, Late Leelamma Manimalethu, Late Gracy Kallamannil, Late Molly Neendisseril, and Late Valsa Mulakanchira. She is dearly missed by all her family and friends. She carried herself with dignity and grace all the years of her life. We are happy that she is reunited with her beloved husband, her five siblings, parents, and other loved ones in the presence of our Lord and can’t wait to see her again one day.