Thresia "Ammachi" Varkey

She was born on January 26, 1936 in Cherthala, India to Chacko and Mariamma (Kottoor) Ouseph. She married Dr. T. Joseph Varkey on November 8, 1954. He preceded her in death in 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one sister.

Surviving are her son Dr. Joseph (Mitzi) Thottuvelil of Dallas, Texas; her daughter Dr. Pushpa (Paul) Joseph, of Peoria; grandchildren, Dr. Arun (Dr. Rathi) Joseph of Chicago, Lisa Joseph of Peoria, Sarah Joseph of Austin, Texas and Matthew Joseph of Chicago; and her great granddaughter, Anya Joseph of Chicago. Also surviving are three brothers and a sister, in Kerala, India.

Ammachi was a warm, affectionate and caring person who touched all with her Faith and genuine interest in others. She was very devoted to her family and will be remembered for her incredibly generous heart. She inspired many in the courageous way in which she handled her eleven-year battle with ovarian cancer.

She was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching tennis and rooted hard for the Chicago Cubs.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Peoria Heights. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to the Illinois Cancer Center.