Kochamma Mary Philip, 81, Passes

HOUSTON: Mary Philip, a long-time resident of Houston, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018 surrounded by family in Manchester, New Hampshire. She had moved there in 2015 with her husband to be live with her youngest daughter Annie and her family.

She was born on July 13, 1937, in Kozencherry, Kerala, India to Theketh-Valluparambil House, to T.M. Thomas, a teacher and Annamma Thomas. She attended St. Mary’s High School and then Scudder Memorial Nursing School, in Tamil Nadu, India.

She and her husband, Rev. Fr. M. T. Philip had three children, while living in Kuwait. In 1973, the family moved to the US. She was known as “Kochamma” in all the Malankara Orthodox Church parishes across the US, where Rev. Philip started churches.

Despite working full time as a registered nurse, their home was always known for her constant hospitality to all who entered. Her cooking was so renowned, she wrote a cookbook and shared the book with anyone who asked for her favorite recipes. She retired from Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas as Assistant Head Nurse, in 2001.

Mary Philip, will be lovingly missed by her husband, Fr. M. T. Philip, her 3 children – Rachel Vargehese of Houston, Rev. Dr. Thomas Philip of Greenville, South Carolina and Dr. Annie Mathew of Manchester – their spouses, eight grandchildren and the extended families of Manon and Theketh Valuparampil, numerous relatives and close friends. The family wishes to thank all those who cared for her over the years and showed their love, during this difficult time. Her love endures in every life she touched.

The Wake and Visitation was held on Friday, December 21, 2018 at the Connor-Healy Funeral Home in Manchester. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, December 22 at St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church in Maynard, Massachusetts with Interment Service directly afterwards at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester.