Obituaries


Suja

Elizabeth George (SUJA)
[January 27, 1967 - September 8, 2025]

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

- 2 Timothy 4:7

Elizabeth (Suja) George was born on January 27, 1967, in Thumpamon Thazam, Kerala. She was the cherished daughter of the late Mr. P. M. Oommen and the late Mrs.Aleyamma Oommen of the Pezhumkattil Salem family. Suja grew up in Kattanam and graduated from Pope PiusXI High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Assumption College. Changanassery and a Master’s of Science in Chemistry from SB College, Changanassery, and a B.Ed. from NSS College, Pandalam.

On February 14, 1991, Suja married the love of her life, Reji George. Together they began their life’s journey, later moving to the United States in 1993. She then continued her education at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, earning a Master's in Environmental Science. After starting her career as an analytical chemist for the city of Newark, Elizabeth went on to work at Merck Animal Health for 25 years as an Associate Director of the Global Pharmacovigilance Team. Her hard work and dedication are enriched by the love and lifelong friendships she made with her work family.

Suja was a faithful and invaluable member of The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey in Randolph for more than three decades. She joyfully served in the choir, YuvajanaSakhyam, Sevika Sanghom, and most especially as Sunday School Superintendent, where her greatest delight was guiding children in their faith. She also served on the Sunday School Center and Regional Committee and as an Assembly member to the Diocese of North America. Her love of cooking was translated through her acts of service, spreading joy to the homes of many senior members of her church, her family, and others within the community. Suja enjoyed participating in various cultural activities and organizations and accompanied Reji to many events over the years. Suja valued the importance of culture and community, and made sure to instill those same values in her children.

Her radiant faith and servant heart left a lasting mark on everyone she encountered. Through her words, her prayers, and her example, she drew others closer to God and reminded them of the power of living with faith, humility, and love. Many will remember her as someone who truly “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith “[2 Timothy 4:7].

She will always be remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother, a caring and generous aunt, and a steadfast friend. Above all, Suja will be known for her unwavering faith in her Lord and her selfless heart for serving others.

Suja, age 58, entered eternal rest on September 8,2025.surrounded by her family in prayer. Suja is survived by her husband, Reji, and their children Rohit and Roshni. She also leaves behind her nephews Shawn and Joshua Alexander, and nieces, Kristie Varghese and Krisa Yohannan. She is now reunited with her parents and her brother, Alexander [Sabu] Oommen, in the presence of her Heavenly Father.

Even in her final months, Suja’s faith never wavered. She faced every challenge with grace, trust, and hope in God’s eternal plan. Her life leaves behind a legacy of love, service and faithfulness that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Viewing & Funeral Details

VIEWINGS:
Saturday, September 13, 2025 2.30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday,  September 14, 2025 2.30 PM - 7:00 PM
The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey
790 Route 10 West
Randolph, NJ 07869

FUNERAL SERVICE :
Monday, September 15, 2025 9.30 AM -11.30 AM
The Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey
790 Route 10 West
Randolph, NJ 07869

INTERMENT:
Monday, September 15, 2025 12.30 PM
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
225 Ridgedale Ave
East Hanover, NJ 07936

OFFICIATING BISHOP
Rt. Rev.Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa

OFFICIATING CLERGY
Rev.Pratesh Oommen
Rev.Abraham Sudeep Oommen


Click here for Live Video Stream.

 

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)

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.

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