Aleyamma Joy

Aleyamma was born on September 24, 1940, in Kerala, India, to Kurian Joseph Ammakuzhiyil and Annamma Ulahannan. Her life was defined by courage, faith, and boundless generosity. After graduating from high school, she left her hometown of Arunoottimangalam to pursue nursing studies in Raipur, India, marking the beginning of a long and meaningful career as a registered nurse.

Her dedication and talent led her to Germany, where she worked for several years, faithfully sending home each paycheck to support her parents and siblings. Yet Aleyamma dreamed of a life in America. Through determination and perseverance, she eventually immigrated to the United States, where she proudly earned her citizenship. That courageous decision to leave Germany and start anew forever changed the course of her life — and the lives of those who followed her.

In 1975, at the age of 35, this fiercely independent and career-driven woman returned to India for an arranged marriage. Over the years, she played an instrumental role in helping bring not only her own seven siblings but also her husband and his five siblings to the United States. Through her efforts, the lives of more than a hundred family members were profoundly changed — a legacy of love, faith, and opportunity that will endure for generations.

Life brought its share of hardship and loss. Between the births of her daughter and son, Aleyamma endured the heartbreak of losing a child. By 1988, her marriage had come to a painful end — a sorrow she carried for the rest of her life. Yet her strength never wavered. As a single mother of two, she faced every challenge with resilience, independence, and grace.

In the early 2000s, Aleyamma fulfilled her dream of moving to Florida, where she built a new life — purchasing her own home, finding work, making friends, and joining a welcoming church community. She was known for her warmth, generosity, and joy in giving. Children could always count on her for candy, and no one ever left her home hungry.

In her later years, Aleyamma faced dementia and heart disease with quiet dignity. When she could no longer drive, she moved into an assisted living community in Riverview, where she found comfort in simple pleasures — watching neighbors walk to Aldi, attending church, and cherishing phone calls and visits from loved ones.

Aleyamma was a devoted daughter, a caring chechy (older sister), a loving aunt and godmother to many, and a proud mother and grandmother.

She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Mary Ammakuzhiyil, who passed away at age 12 in Aleyamma’ s arms. The eldest of her siblings, Aleyamma is survived by Cyriac (Aleyamma Amakil), John (Chinnamma Amakil), Annamma (the late Jose Konothuvalel), Joseph (Lila Amakil), Tomy (Ancy Amakil), Mercy (Jose Korothumadathil), and one sister who remains unnamed.

She is deeply cherished and lovingly remembered by her son Joby Joy, her daughter Jody Joy Mantz, her son-in-law Gregory Mantz, and her adored grandchildren Sophie and Grayson Mantz.

Aleyamma endured more suffering in this life than most, yet her faith, kindness, and radiant smile never faded. May her beautiful spirit find eternal peace and joy in the loving arms of God.