Elizabeth Anthrayose

When we reflect on the life of our beloved Kunjunjamma, what comes to mind is that her life was one characterized by a love, endurance and service that was powered by her deep faith. Born on February 9, 1947 in Kerala, India as the third of the seven children of Majors P.V. Samuel and Saramma Samuel, she and her twin sister were so small that their father held each of them in the palms of his hands. From her youth, her faith was instilled within her as the family was involved in ministry with the Salvation Army and served in various parts of Kerala. She thoroughly enjoyed music and singing.
After completing nursing school in New Delhi, Kunjunjamma worked as a nurse in India for a few years before coming to the United States in 1973, where she lived in Detroit for a short while with her sister. In August 1974, she married Anthrayose Kadappur (Kunjumon) in Chicago, IL.
One of the first qualities that we remember is her service and devotion to her family. Her married life began with great difficulty as they lost their firstborn son Jeffrey in November 1978 at only 14 months old. In June 1980, Libby was born and then the family was blessed with Aju in January 1985. Hardship again came to the family as they learned early on that Aju was mentally handicapped. Her inspirational care for Aju over the years was a model for all who had the opportunity to meet her. Even in the latter part of her life, she cared for her parents, and, especially in her final years, she did much to care for and rehabilitate her mother. Even while raising a child with special needs, Kunjunjamma continued to serve as a nurse. She especially enjoyed serving the elderly and worked in nursing homes for most of her career. She always said that she loved taking care of the elderly as if they were her own parents.
Through all the difficulties she faced in life, her faith was never shaken and she looked forward to better things. God was always her rock in times of trouble. In May 2012, Kunjunjamma learned she had gastric cancer and she passed away early Sunday morning on August 12, 2012 at the age of 65 in Dallas, Texas.
She was the beloved wife of Anthrayose Kadappur, devoted mother of Jeffrey K. Anthrayose (late), Libby (Omar) Van Opstal and Aju Anthrayose, cherished daughter of Majors P.V. (late) and Saramma Samuel, loving sister of Dr. Varughese P. Samuel, Annie P. Samuel, Mariamma Philipose, Kuruvilla P. Samuel, Dr. Mathew P. Samuel and Lilly Varghese.

Hebrews 11:39 - 40
"These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."