With sadness, we announce the passing of Cecilia on October 3, 2025. She died with dignity, at the Parkview Nursing Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.
Wife of Leslie, mother of Chris and Anita, she set out from her native India to forge a new life in Canada. A kind and loving soul, Cecilia was a trusted confidant to many family members and friends. She was also a gracious host at many memorable dinner parties at her home in Dundas, Ontario.
She will be greatly missed.
A Visitation will be held at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, Ontario on Wednesday October 22 at 1:00 p.m., with a memorial service in her honour taking place at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=e821dd0f-53b0-4c70-8e29-9d13b956519b
Chichi you are
Cecelia you were .
Kindness personified ,
In Ammachi’s
Footsteps.
I recall QMC
Times occasional
On the beach
Amma and Maya ,
With Jimmy on leash.
Breezes on our face
Surveying the Bay
Waters to the horizon
Deciding
Our “fate” ?
We studied the science,
The art of Medicine.
Heal the sick ,
Comfort the infirm.
Till “our time” is here ….
Dearest Acca — Though your going leaves us bereft we cannot truly be sad, for you have gone to join Leslie, Appachan and Ammachi.
Though we shall no more see your face – your smile and your voice are imprinted in our minds.
Though you’ll no longer speak to us, we know you continue to look with celestial vision and imbue us with your thoughts.
Though you are vanished from our midst as a living person, we yet carry you within our hearts with affection.
We bless you, we pray for you, and we desire you to intercede that we too may leave when the time comes as compliant to the will of our Father as you.
May we worthily remember you and remain in your love always.
Sancta Cecilia, Ora pro nobis.
Condolences from extended family members in India:
1. Tanya Abraham (daughter of cousin Kuttan)
Our condolences on your loss and our prayers are with all of you.
May her soul be resting peacefully in the hands of Jesus. Surely, she would have met with my Achen in heaven.
Love, Tanya
2. Prakash and Pearly
Dear Thambi & KumKum, During this difficult time for you and your family it’s hard for us to find words of consolation. Nothing we say would be enough to ease your pain . Suffice it to say that you were lucky to be able to spend time with Chichi during her last days .We are praying for her and for you all who are left behind. Be consoled that she did not suffer too much and is happy to be with Leslie and her parents. Please convey our condolences to her children, Anita and Chris.
3. Diwia Thomas
Dearest Thambi Uncle, Kum Kum aunty
Very sad to note the demise our dear Chichi aunty. So glad you could spend time with her. I’m sure she loved it. Praying that Jesus may comfort all of you, especially her children in this moment of grief.
Much love Diwia & Joseph
4. Ajai Vadakkath and Priti
Dear Thambi Uncle
Deepest condolences; may her memory be a blessing for all who had had the privilege of her love and friendship.
Priti, Ajai and Sid
5. Salil Jacob
Condolences to all Acca left behind as her spirit joins the universe, forever around the ones she loved!
Death is easy for those who pass, but difficult those of us who loved and cherished them.
May you be comforted with the thoughts of her love, and the knowledge that her soul and spirit is in a better place with that of her Savior Jesus Christ! (Remember John 3:16)
6. Shibu Mathai and Preea
Dear Thambi Uncle,
Really sorry to hear this, our heartfelt condolences to the family. Glad you could spend some time with her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult times.
Regards
7. Tina Christensen and Pravin
Our Sincereste condolences to all of you!
8. Moti George and Tamina
Thambi Uncle….our heartfelt condolences to you & the family. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
I dont think i have ever met her , has she come to cochin ?
Tamina & Moti
9. Zubin Jacob
So sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad she didn’t suffer much. It was great you could be with her and engage with her. May her soul rest in peace.
10. Matthew Thomas
Dearest Thambi and KumKum, Deeply grieved to learn of Chichi’s passing. May her noble soul rest in eternal peace. Some consolation that she has joined her dear husband, Leslie, saintly Ammachi and Appachen in their heavenly abode. I am so happy that you, who were so close to her, were able to spend some time with her just a few days ago. Almost looks as though she was waiting to wish you a fond farewell. God bless you both, Chris and Anita, and your children as I share your grief at the loss of dear Chichi. My fondest regards, Mathaichan.
11. George Thomas
Dear Thambi Chetan,
So sorry to hear this news. We were fortunate to have all visited Aunty and Uncle at their home in Dundas, Ontario, a few years ago while you were in Canada. Our deepest sympathies from all of us here and abroad. We take comfort knowing that she is eternally among her near and dear ones.
Please can you let us know further details, so that we can pay our respects. We will try our best to be there.
Our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, and with Chris and Anita during this time.
Safe travels and we hope to meet up soon.
Love,Linda, Rajesh and Anjali.
12. Anthony Thomas
Dear Thambi uncle,
So sorry for your loss. I know from Papa how much she meant to you. Prayers for her soul and for comfort for you and the family in this difficult time.
Warms regards,Brijesh
13. Joe Thomas
Dearest Thambi Chettan, Thank you for letting us know about your sister’s passing. How wonderful that Rachel and you got to spend three precious days with her so close to the end. As devastating and deeply saddening the loss of a beloved sibling is, it must have been comforting to know that your sister didn’t suffer for too long. Amélia and I send our condolences to all of you. Lots of love, Amélia and Dinesh
14. Philo Joseph
Ente ethra nalla pengalayirunnu, (What a good elder sister she was) Baby said tearfully. Baby couldn’t stop reminiscing about the Summer holidays of childhood with the whole family in Allepey. Festivities began when Mammy aunty arrived with Chichi and you.
14. Tess Joseph
My dearest Thambi uncle and K2… I don’t have too many memories of Chichi Aunty, except this one: a trip to Toronto where Anish had the mumps (on vacation, of course!) and it suddenly became MY trip. I remember her then as a pillar – not talkative, but strong, such presence. She got me chocolate and this sweater which I loved for years! I remember Chris and Anita, and the fun we had. As I grew older, I would hear more about her from Amma, and it always painted a picture of strength.
Rest well, Chichi Aunty. God bless. I’m grateful I met and grew up with women in the family who were stronger than most – you made me believe I could be one too.
Love, prayers and strength. Tess
15. Abby Paul
Condolences Thambi Chettan. Happy to know that you visited her 3 days back.
16. Tamina George
Dearest Thambi uncle & Kumkum aunty
Writing with a heavy heart on hearing of the passing of your beloved sister chichi aunty. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this time of sorrow.Though I know no words can truly ease the pain of losing someone so dear, I pray that God grants you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead. May you feel His presence near you, holding you up through the weight of your grief.May her memory be a blessing, and may her soul rest in eternal peace. I trust that she is now in the care of our Heavenly Father — where there is no more pain, only light and love.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love and sympathy,
Tamina & Moti
17. Santosh and Pushpa
Dear Thamby and Kumkum,
Our Heartfelt Condolences to you and the bereaved family.Remembering our dearest Chichi with great love.
May her soul Rest In Peace!
Santosh and Pushpa
18. Maggy Ouseph Thomas
Dear Thambi chettan nd Kumkum. I heard the sad demise of your beloved sister. I will remember her in my prayers. Heartfelt condolences.
Even though I didn’t see Chichi I heard about her from Ousepachen. Hope she joined with God in a peaceful life. Will keep her in my prayers. Love Maggy.
19. Helen Jackson
I think of Chichi often and the wonderful times we had at Chowringhee Mansions.
May Chichi’s soul Rest in Peace
What a Blessing Thambi was able to visit. My Prayers for All. Sharing in your Loss
20. Bindu and Ram Rammohan
Dearest Thambichettan,
I am deeply saddened to get this news. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know. The photograph is beautiful. I was telling Ram how closely Chichididi resembles Auntie in the picture. A blessing that you and Rachel had the opportunity to spend some valuable time with her just a few days ago. Though we all know we have to go some day, when the end comes, we are caught unawares.
Please know that we are keeping her in our prayers.
LoveRam & Bindu
21. Sanjay Lazar
Dear Thambi uncle
Omg this was such a shock to wake up to. My condolences
Dear Anita, Chris
My deepest condolences and prayers for the passing of Chichi aunty, may her soul rest in eternal peace in heaven.
My heartfelt condolences to Anita & Chris
I can’t help thinking how fortunate I was to spend time with her when I was in McMaster Hamilton in May this year, and also that I had promised to visit again.
She was so happy to see me, perhaps more because I reminded her of my father, Sampath. I remember that she had tears when we met and the little that she spoke to me. I recall her asking Chris, why I was not staying at her home. She was so gentle and caring of the little things.
Yes of course I remember how fond my dad and also Mayamma was of her, and she will live with a prayer in my heart forever.
I pray that the good lord give all of you the courage and strength to bear this huge loss,
My prayers for all of you
Love & regards
22. Shaly Alsppat
Dear Thambi Uncle, So sorry to hear of your dear sister’s Chichi ( her nickname that I remember) death. May she rest in Eternal peace. How special to spend a some time with her during her final days.Please give my regards to Kumkum Aunty. Love Shaly
23. Paul Alappat
Thank you for letting me and Shaly know about your sister’s death. I am glad you and Rachel were able to spend quality time with her. We will keep her in our prayers. May her soul rest in peace, and I am sure she is with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
By the grace of God, we are doing well. I hope the same with you and Kumkum.
24. Divya and Sunil Reddy
Dear Thambi uncle, I’m so sorry to hear about Acca’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. She lived a full and meaningful life, and it’s comforting to know you had the chance to be with her just days before she passed.
We will always remember Acca with warmth & love. Her last visit to India was a few years after our wedding for Saketh’s birthday – his 5th I think. She had such a wonderful bond with Mayamma, they must be reunited in heaven.
May her soul rest in peace and find eternal comfort in a better place. Thinking of you, Anita,Chris, Kumkum aunty & your family during this time of loss.
With sympathy and prayers,Sunil, Divya & Saketh
25. Alex Holmes
I’m so glad you were able to see her Joe, and I’m sure she enjoyed seeing you too. Sending you hugs and love and thoughts
26. Nimmi Ramanathan
Dear Itta, Chechi and family,
We are so sad to hear our big sister is no more. Chichi chechi was Acca to all of us.Our band of close relatives is getting smaller.
The only solace is the repeated strokes did not fully deprive her of her ability to think and understand. And it is a blessing you were able to visit her just before she passed.
She is with our loved ones who have gone before and we pray that Our Lord Jesus will give us strength to bear this loss. We send love to all of you, and our prayers for all.
Love from Ravi and self, and Avinash
27. Kochi Reading Group Members
(i) Kavita — Dear Joe, I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. Please stay strong—she is now in a better place with your parents. It’s such a blessing that you were able to meet her just last week with Rachel; the photo of the three of you is truly lovely. Take care, and God bless
Regards
(ii) Priya — Dear Joe, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Acca. Your meeting her recently before she went was the best passing gift you gave her. She must have segued gently in contentment .A perfect farewell. May her soul rest in peace. The photo you share is telling of a life well lived.Thanks for sharing a close and private time of yours. Warm regards, Priya
(iii) Zakia — Dear Joe, It’s so very hard to let go of a dear one … however unwell they were. Acca seems so endearing and kind . She kept cheerful till the end . It was wonderful you could spend time with her. Our heartfelt condolences. We pray that God gives you the courage to bear this loss . May her soul rest in peace. With love and regards Zakia and Abbas.
(iv) Gopa — Dear Joe, Mike and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. It must be difficult to bear the loss of your only sibling. The bond between you was strong. That is why she waited for you. To be with you one last time. It is a great blessing that this meeting happened before your Acca left to pass to the next world. May she rest in eternal peace. We will surely remember your Acca in our prayers. Take care. Love
(v) Geetha — Dearest Joe, What a beautiful picture of you and Rachel with Acca. Your visit gladdened her heart one can tell. She will surely attain Shanti… May God grant her soul peace. My prayer while on this two month holiday was that we would be able to see all our older-than-us, family when we get back and spend quality time with all of them. We have one week left before we reach back home. God bless you both. Much love – Thomo& Geetha
(vi) Saras — Dear Joe, What a lovely picture of Acca, Rachel and you. She looks so happy. I’m glad that you could spend time with her.
What we have left are memories, happy ones that take us forward. Words are inadequate, I know.
Holding you and Kumkum and all your family in my prayers.
Regards, Saras
(vii) Devika — So sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. Looks like she waited for you….condolences from Achu and me.
Dear Chris & Anita,
Alex and I send our sincere condolences and love. Acca was my aunt and I often heard growing up how I looked a bit like her…a lovely thought of how genes pass down in families. I recall her witty remarks, stories of the past, and tremendous culinary skills. She was no nonsense and practical and an intellectual with many interests (medicine, literature, business, politics to name a few). We will remember her fondly always.
Love and hugs, Michal & Alex
My dear Acca,
I am still grieving your passing. Though we never lived close to each other — you in Canada, and Thambi and I in India or in the US — I always carried the comforting knowledge that you were there, somewhere, for us to reach out to. Your love was unconditional, your joy contagious.
Your home was always open to us. Over the past fifty-plus years, we visited you so many times, and every single time, you and Leslie, your wonderful husband, made us feel completely at home — loved, welcomed, and cherished.
I admired you deeply for all your accomplishments — as a student, as a medical doctor, and for your extraordinary knowledge of so many subjects. Your sharp, almost photographic memory and your gift for storytelling always amazed me. The humorous anecdotes from your childhood — where Thambi, Maya, and Marie were part of those fabled days — came alive whenever you spoke.
Though I wasn’t part of those stories, listening to you, I never felt like an outsider. You drew me in so effortlessly. Dear Acca, I have never met anyone who could bring the past to life the way you did. You were a truly gifted storyteller. How I wish we had persuaded you to write down those childhood memories — yours and Thambi’s.
May God grant eternal peace to your beautiful soul.