A Life Remembered Mrs. Alice john, Our Thirumeni Kochamma

A Life Remembered

Mrs. Alice john, Our Thirumeni Kochamma

December 26, 1931 – November 2, 2020

We, the family of CSI Church, Toronto, Canada are extremely saddened by the demise of our Alicekutty Kochamma.   Mrs. Alice John, w/o Late Right Reverend Michael John and daughter of late Reverend K J Chacko and late Mariamma Chacko (Kochu Kaleekal Family) was called to her eternal home on November 2, 2020.  

Kochamma, affectionately called Alicekutty, the first-born among the twins and the twin brother, Joykutty (George) born on December 26, 1931. Kochamma belongs to a family of ten and being sixth in the family she has three brothers and six sisters.  Kochamma, after her school days, pursued her university education at St. Mary’s College Thrissur, staying at the Bethel Ashram, under the guidance of Sister Saramma Thomas, her paternal cousin.  Kochamma who was born and brought up in a real  Christian home was strongly inspired by the spiritual environment of the Bethel Ashram to dedicate her life for God’s work.  She wanted to remain as a spinster, but when her father brought a marriage proposal with a clergyman, she agreed for marriage with the conviction that the marriage would surely help her to pursue her heart’s desire, spiritual work (The Light of a Lamp).

Kochamma was married to Rev. K.M. John (Kuzhianickal Family) and the marriage was solemnised on April 12, 1956 by the Rt. Rev. C K Jacob, Bishop, Madhya Kerala Diocese, Kottayam. Kochamma, as a Baskiamma, served with resourcefulness and enthusiasm at all the places and pastorate her husband served in the matter of house visits, conducting Women’s Fellowship activities, organising Bible classes and other spiritual activities.  Kochamma ministered in the field of gospel work and evangelism, through the open air gospel meetings of Onam Week Gospel Work, house visits, giving messages and witnessing.  Kochamma demonstrated her leadership qualities and served as the President of Diocesan Women’s Fellowship in an exemplary manner (The Light of a Lamp).

Thirumeni and Kochamma served at CSI Church, Toronto, Canada for seven years (1993-2000). They were like parents and grandparents to many members of our church family. During this time the church grew both spiritually and in number. Many memorable events happened in our church….Hosted Eighth Annual CSI Family and Youth Conference, First Choir Sunday, Church’s 10th Anniversary, First Children Sunday, First Wedding, CSI Golden Jubilee Celebration, First Cantata, First Men Sunday and many Conventions. Kochamma was very active in all our church ministries especially with our Women’s Fellowship and Church Choir. As a church, we really praise God for her life and Christian Love.  On their return, they continued their peaceful retired life at their own house at Melukavumattom. Thirmneni was called to his eternal home on April 27, 2013.

Kochamma and Thirumeni are blessed with three children, Son – K Jacob John (Bejoy), Shylakutty and three grandchildren, Daughter – Asha, Soju and three grandchildren and  Son – John K John (Kochumon), Saleena and two grandchildren . 

 

Messages from our Church Members

Daisy Mathai

We will Always Remember…
If 2020 has shown us anything, it has shown us that God’s ways are mysterious and beyond human understanding. With so many devastating events taking place this year we remember that God is good, all the time. With the passing of our beloved Kochamma it has helped me to focus on how she showed God’s goodness to all of us and not why she had to leave us so suddenly.
Since the beginning of the CSI Church Toronto, many people have come and gone. Each has left an indelible mark. However, it is hard to say that anyone has touched as many lives and meant more to our church than Bishop  and Kochamma. Our dear Bishop Michael John was known from North America to India. An amazing man of God with a reputation for his Bible knowledge and more importantly his kind, humble heart.
Having the honour to be part of the church as Bishop Michael John  served, I quickly realized how true the saying is; behind every great man is a great woman. Kochamma always had a smile on her face and was very hospitable. My mom enjoyed singing with her in the choir. Kochamma has left this world and especially our church to a better place with her service and love. To know her was to feel the warmth of her heart and the joy in  her laughter. She seamlessly led and served and helped to show how a true woman of God loved those around her. Our family is saddened as are all of us by her loss. Still we are so grateful that our paths crossed and God had used her to reflect Christ’s love in our church and all our lives.