Mary Oommen George

After graduating from high school, Mary Oommen went to Assumption College in Changanassery and received her bachelor's degrees in economics and history. Upon graduating, she joined Pathanapuram College to further her studies in the field of education, and she obtained a bachelor's in education (B.Ed.)

In her early twenties, Mary started her teaching career as a high school educator. While working as a teacher in Chungathara Nilambur, she married Malayil Koruthu (M.K.) George in June 1966. After their marriage, Mary continued her high school teaching career at Puthencavu Metropolitan higher secondary school. In 1969, Mary relocated to MD seminary school in Kotayyam to join M.K., who was working at the Rubber Research Institute of India. It was during that time that Mary built a reputation as a strong teacher who set high standards for her students. M.K., Mary, and their three young children, Manoj, Binoj, and Sunoj lived in the Deepthi Nagar subdivision, where they were very involved with the community, and fondly remember Onam, Christmas, and New Years Celebrations.

In May of 1982, M.K. and Mary made a decision to join M.K.’s brothers and explore new opportunities for their children in the United States. The family migrated to Morehead Kentucky, where they lived for a number of years before moving to Huntington, West Virginia. The support of loving friends in Morehead and Huntington led to lifelong bonds for the George family. In 2004, M.K. and Mary moved to Raleigh, NC to join their children and families and help grow the budding St. Gregorios church community, led by M.K. George’s brother, M.K. Thomas Achen.

Mary George was devout in her faith and always attended Sunday Qurbanas, prayer meetings, Lenten retreats and church activities. Mary’s guidance extended far beyond the classroom, and she lovingly liked to point out to her grandchildren that she would always arrive to church before them. In addition to stressing the importance of timeliness, Mary emphasized the value of education to her grandchildren as well as other young community members.

Mary George loved spending time with and celebrating her family, taking walks around the Arrington and Bashford houses, and cooking delicious meals with M.K. She had a vibrant, witty, and genuine personality with a love for God and family that always stayed with her. Mary George will be dearly missed.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Korah and Aleyamma Oommen, four older siblings, VO. Mathews, V.O. Oommen, Annamma Joseph, Sosamma Mathews, and eldest son, Manoj George. She is remembered by her husband of 57 years, M.K George, and her family, Binoj, Sunoj, Sheela, Nancy, Rachel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Thomas, Joshua, Sonya.

Family will receive friends on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Raleigh. Funeral Services will be held at church on Saturday, March 16th at 9:00 am, with interment to follow at Wake Memorial Park. (YouTube links below within the service box information - select JOIN to view)

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