Gracy Philip

Gracy Philip passed away peacefully on October 28, 2022, at the age of 78, with her loving husband (Paduthottu V. Philip) and family by her bedside.

Gracy (affectionately called “Gracykutty”) was born in Kerala in 1944, and was the daughter of the late Vengaparambil (“Baby”) Abraham and the late Saramma Abraham. She enjoyed her childhood in India, especially growing up in the loving community in Kumbanad. Her father owned a medical store in the heart of Kumbanad and her mother was a teacher at SC Seminary School in Thiruvalla. She was proud of her parents and the life she was provided with.

She was the doting wife of Paduthottu V. Philip (“Kunjoonjukutty”) for the last 58 years. After marrying, she became an integral addition to the Paduthottu family. She took care of the Paduthottu family home, where her father-in-law Paduthottu Mathen Varghese (“Kochuvarechen”) resided. She eventually came to the United States in 1970 to join her husband and they built their home together in Broomall, PA.

Gracy was a firm believer in Christ. She was one of the founding members of the Philadelphia Mar Thoma Church, and eventually the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church of Delaware Valley, where she was an active part of the Sevika Sangham, Edavaka Mission, and area prayer meetings.

Everyone who knew Gracy understood that family was always the center of her life. She was a proud older sister to her eight siblings. She was privileged to bring them to the United States and have them so close by to share their lives together. One of her favorite days each year was Thanksgiving. She loved picking up and baking the largest turkey, and preparing an amazing meal for all her loved ones. Her most joyous moments were when she was able to bring together her brothers and sisters (and their children and grandchildren), hear about their lives, and spend quality time with them. She was so grateful that they were all there for her in her time of need.

Her number one priority was creating a nurturing, Christ-centered home for her children—Sheela, Sheeja, and Shibu. If there was ever anything she could do or any way she could support her kids, she was always there without hesitation. In all that she did for her children, she was always patient, gentle-natured, and pure of heart. She made sure each of them had a relationship with God and their extended family. Among this large extended family, one person whom Gracy was extremely close with was Lizy Kuriakose, whom she considered and loved as one of her own daughters. Gracy also shared a special relationship with Sheela’s late husband, Dr. John Suku Zachariah.

To her grandchildren, Kirin and Navin, she was and always will be their Broomall Ammachi. They were her pride and joy. She loved instilling Christian values in them, making them the crispiest potato mezhuku-puratty (just the way they liked it), and supporting them in all of their endeavors as they grew up.

Outside of being the heartbeat of her family, Gracy found time to make friends with many others. She enjoyed spending time with her friends from work and on daily morning walks in Lawrence Park. In the work that Gracy pursued, she worked tirelessly. She was constantly recognized by others for her outstanding performance.

Above all, she always strived to be someone who all her friends and family could depend on. She was happiest when she could serve them a table full of the most delicious food and make her home a place where her loved ones always felt at home. She will be dearly missed, but her gentle spirit, radiant smile, and the unconditional love she showed to everyone she came across will be felt forever.

Gracy is survived by her husband, Paduthottu V. Philip; her children, Sheela Zachariah, Sheeja Philip, and Shibu Philip; and her grandchildren, Kirin and Navin Zachariah. She also leaves behind her siblings Alexander Abraham (Joy), Philip Abraham (Babu), Susan Chacko (Susamma), Sara Kurian (Jessy), Saji Abraham, and Regi Abraham.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing, Friday evening, November 4, 2022, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church of Delaware Valley, 130 Grubb Road, Malvern, PA  19355, with Funeral Service at 7:00 PM.  A second Viewing will be held Saturday morning, 9:00 – 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church of Delaware Valley with Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA 19064.