Aliyamma Abraham

Aliyamma Abraham was born on December 21, 1937 in Vallikode-Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, India as the third daughter of the late Mr. C.M Thomas and Mrs. Mariyamma Thomas. She grew up with her siblings Annamma George, Mariyamma Varghese, Lizzie Abraham, Gracy Mathew, Saramma Abraham,

Rachel Mathaikutty, and Lillykutty Joseph.

She began her primary school education in Mallassery and later transitioned to the Seventh-Day Adventist High School in Kottarakara. While she was in school, her mother fell ill and Aliyamma had to leave her studies to care for her mother. She devoted her time to her mother and helped her father with his agricultural and household duties. She was his financial accountant, estate manager, and personal assistant.

Aliyamma and her family were members of the Church of South India. After learning about the Adventist message through evangelistic meetings in Kerala, they accepted the message of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was a faithful witness for God and often joined her husband in giving Bible studies to others. Her devotion to the truth was something she carried with her during her entire life.

Aliyamma and K.A Abraham were married on November 2, 1959 in Pathanamthitta. In the early years of her married life, her husband was in the military and based in Delhi where she lived with him. It was a period of time that she cherished greatly. They later went on to have four children: Abraham (Shaji), Sherly, Soosan, and Sally. After her husband’s military retirement in 1964, they set up their home in Elanthur. They later moved to Ottapalam near the Seventh-Day Adventist Hospital to care for her ailing

mother in 1975. This is where Aliyamma would spend much of her life.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her husband saw in her a best friend and confidant. She cooked special meals for him and they spent many happy moments enjoying each other’s company. After her husband began working as a literature evangelist, she supported him by running the household. Because she did not have the opportunity to pursue her educational interests, it was important to Aliyamma that her children value education. To ensure they were educated in good Adventist schools, she would meticulously prepare her yearly budget. Aliyamma was an astute financial

manager and a resourceful woman. She raised and sold livestock, and cultivated cash crops like black peppers, cashews, and rice. She was especially fond of all her grandchildren. She made them feel special on their birthdays and she prayed for every one of her grandchildren during daily devotions.

Everyone who met Aliyamma knew her to be a hospitable lady and a gifted cook. Guests at home were frequent and welcome. People who visited her home would be treated to authentic Kerala meals including fish curry, moru curry, avial, and payasam. She enjoyed having conversations with people and was quick witted. Aliyamma was also a generous person. She has helped many members of her community and family. She opened her home when people had a need and helped others financially.

Aliyamma was the embodiment of the woman described in Proverbs 31. “She is clothed with dignity and strength and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instruction with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household, and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!’ Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Aliyamma spent the last days of her life in the United States with her husband and children. She was at peace and sleeps in the Lord awaiting the return of Our Savior.

She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories, her husband K.A Abraham; her children Abraham and Rosalind, Sherly and James, Soosan and Johnykutty, Sally and Arun; her grandchildren Mathew and Elizabeth, Nithya and Beril, Nadiya, Rachel, John, Lis, and Joshua; sisters Annamma, Mariyamma, Lizzie, Gracy, Saramma, Rachel, and Lillykutty; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.