"Memories from my early childhood and youth are wrapped in the love of Aunty Mary. To me, Aunty Mary was everything that was joy, love, and community. Her kindness towards me has touched my life in numerous ways that there are no words to express the depth of my gratitude and love for her. I will miss her dearly."
In loving memory of
Mary G Joseph
November 16, 1937 - May 17, 2020
Mary Joseph, age 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on May 17, 2020 with her loving husband by her side. She was born on November 16, 1937 in Johore Baru Malaysia, the daughter of Dr. Joseph Panikulam and Mrs. Alice Joseph. She spent her early years in Malaysia and India. After graduating from St. Teresa's School in Kochi, India, she attended Stella Maris College Madras, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1958. She married Dr. George Joseph in 1959 and they lived in Thrissur and Kotayam, Kerala State where their three children were born. In 1967, Mary and her family immigrated to the United States. The family resided in Taunton, MA and later in Wingdale, NY. In 1972 they moved to Kingston, NY where Dr. George Joseph was a practicing psychiatrist for 40 years.
Mary was a devoted mother and wife. She was a parishioner of St. Joseph's church and volunteered as a literacy tutor and devoted her time to the Hudson Valley Indian Cultural Association. She was an avid gardener who loved flowers, an accomplished cook who enjoyed throwing dinner parties for family and friends, and she took great pride in helping to raise her seven grandchildren. She was beautiful, kind and compassionate. She loved her piano. She made special efforts to reach out and welcome people who were new to the community, and she was a caring and loyal friend.
Mary is survived by her husband of sixty-one years and her three daughters and seven grandchildren. Her daughter Dr. Lisa Joseph, her husband Thomas Thekkethala and their children Matthew and Maria live in Denville, NJ. Daughter Rose Joseph, her husband David Caplan and their children Jay, Reena, and Thea live in Westford, MA. And her daughter Teresa Joseph, her husband Brian Helhoski and their children John and Jacob live in Kingston, NY. Mary's parents, her brother Dr. Jacob Panikulam and a sister Rose Manavalan predeceased her. Her younger sister, Teresa Simon lives in Kerala, India. She will be missed by her large extended family throughout the world.
Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston, NY. In the interest of public safety and in accordance with New York State's Executive Order in response to coronavirus, the service and burial will be held privately.
A tribute for Mary may be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family.
Tributes
"Dear George Uncle and Family, Whenever we think of Mary Aunty,the word that comes to mind is elegance. We enjoyed her warmth ,generosity and thoughtfulness over the years. One could always have a great conversation with Mary Aunty,no matter your age. We shall miss her smile and her grace.Our heartfelt condolences to you ,George Uncle and Family Bijoy,Asha,Ashok and Annie"
"My deepest condolences to Dr. George Joseph and family. Although I haven't had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Mary Joseph personally, the generosity and support that she and her husband showed the children in our school had been nothing short of exemplary. Hers must have been a life marked by love, empathy and fulfillment. Praying for your healing, strength and peace during this difficult time, Sreekumary P S (Former Headmistress, St. Mary's HS Vallakom)"
"Hearty condolence "
"Heartful condolence"
"Heartful condolence"
"Mary Joseph was more than our neighbor, friend and aunty to us. She was like a mother away from home to us. She was such a classy lady and we cherish the memories we have of her especially of the countless elegant parties she hosted and we had the privilege to attend. She will be greatly missed and will always be in our hearts."
"Dear George and family: Elaine and I were so sorry to learn of Mary's passing. She was a lovely woman, warm and friendly and polite to a fault. It was our privilege to have known her and have had her for a neighbor when our kids were growing up in the Hillside Acres neighborhood. Please accept our condolences at this difficult time. May God make his presence and peace known to you and the girls and their families. With all good wishes for your health and well being, Elaine and David Rylance"
"Dear George, Lisa, Rose & Tessie, It is with deepest sorrow we learned of the passing of our sweet, gentle & dearest friend Mary. She always had a smile on her face & had such a loving heart. When we arrived in Kingston in June 1986, she welcomed us so warmly & made sure she telephoned Joy every week without fail for decades till she couldn't do so any more. She was such a special, loving friend & will never be forgotten. Please accept our deepest condolences. May she rest in heavenly peace & may God grant each one of you the strength to bear her loss. Yours in sorrow, Riolin & Joy Andrade & family"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Joseph and the entire family at this very difficult time. We will always remember Mary as a loving, caring, beautiful, and elegant lady with a captivating smile. We feel privileged to have known her for so many years. We will always cherish the wonderful times we had. together. Praying for the repose of her soul. May she enjoy the rewards of a life well lived , in the company of angels and saints. RIP ... Ansy and Varkey"
"Such a kind, wonderful lady. Thank you Mrs. Joseph for always showing our family kindness and warmth. Much love to Dr. Joseph, Lisa, Rose and Tessie. Ashok, Neeta, Daveed, Jayna and AJ. "
"It is hard to say goodbye to our beloved friend Mary who gave us years of friendship with love and kindness. We will always cherish her memory. May her soul rest in peace. Arnavaz, Noshir, Rashna, Cyrus and family."
"Dear DrJoseph, So very sorry to read of your wife?s passing. You don?t know me, but you were a tremendous help to my Dad, Charlie Costa. He often spoke of you and your reassurance that things would be ok. He passed in 2009 age of 88 : ok to the end Thank you and God Bless Sharon costa Day "
"Mrs. Joseph was such a lovely woman, a sweet welcoming face, a polished dinner party chef, a kind soul, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be missed. Hugs to the entire family. Tania Fine Helhoski, Massachusetts"
"Mary Joseph was our dear friend for fifty years. She was kind, generous and loving. She opened her home and welcomed new physicians and their families to Kingston. We shared countless cups of tea and afternoons filled with laughter and serious discussions over the years. I will always treasure her friendship and the memories I have of her. I will keep George and the girls in my prayers always."
"Mrs. Joseph was the most joyous, gracious woman I have ever met. I loved each meeting I had with her and she is safely in my prayers now, as is her family. SR. Carol Perry, SU"
"As a small boy, in 1967, I still remember my first visit to an Airport, seeing off my Uncle, Mary Aunty and my 3 cousin sisters, leaving India for USA for good. Aunt has been keen known to me ever since I was a small boy - probably from age 4. Me a small boy in those days, used to wait for Uncle?s home coming from NY - once in 4 years those days, with lots of the gifts and chocolates from America. I probably developed my love for chocolates from what Aunt used to gift us. There was no other source for us to get those exotic chocolates during the 70's. For every function in our family, Aunt made it a point to be there. Though 1000s of miles away, she always stayed close to her families back in India. She was very special to all of us. We all will miss our Aunt but she will remain in our hearts forever. Our deepest condolences to Uncle and family. The only consoling words we have for our Uncle is - "Let Aunt take some rest how in heaven, and shower you with blessings from there. She was with you for 62 long years, and you did your very best for her, and you cared for her till her very last hour. We know you will miss her but remember - her soul still lives and only her body has left. Our heartfelt condolences to our 3 sisters Liz Ross and Tess and their families. Loosing mom is not easy to bear; No words can console you too. You all did your very best for your mom. Let her take rest peacefully now?. Sorry, none of us could come from India and see her one last time. Our prayers will be there always. Uncle, please remain healthy and stay safe. With love. Joe "