OBITUARY Mary John Joseph April 4, 1940 – January 17, 2019 Dr. Mary Joseph, born on April 4, 1940, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, professor emeritus and entrepreneur who devoted her life to her family and her profession, found her eternal peace on January 17, 2019. She was married for nearly 60 years to Dr. Erat Joseph. Mary served as a role model for others, combining an outstanding academic career with uncompromising commitment to family and social responsibilities.
Mary received her Ph.D. in English Literature from Louisiana State University, and had a distinguished career as Professor of English complemented by achievements in research and writing. She loved her teaching profession and her students, and earned many recognitions and awards for her academic accomplishments which include starting Lambda lota Tau at Southern University, organizing and hosting the College Language Associations, etc. Mary founded two perpetual scholarship programs – Thoppil Memorial Scholarship at Southern University in honor of her parents, and Zachariah & Saramma Medical Charity in India with St. Vincent de Paul in honor of her husband’s parents.
Mary led a life committed to the Catholic Church and Christian values. As an active parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church since 1976, she volunteered for many religious activities including volunteer work at her parish and at Mother Teresa’s convent. She was actively involved in the preparation of the award-winning book “Sharing Shores” whose proceeds went towards the Battered Women’s Program.
She was also a member of several organizations, including Book Club and Garden Club. She enjoyed visiting Catholic holy sites around the globe, including the Vatican, Jerusalem, Lourde, Fatima, and Guadeloupe, and was even fortunate enough to attend Christmas mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral given by Pope John Paul II. Mary’s health declined in the last three years of her life.
Despite her illness, she remained composed, kind and graceful. We appreciate the invaluable services of all the staff at The Blake at Grove, the gracious care given by Mrs. Monica Jackson, Mrs. Teresa Blanchard and Mrs. Nella Boyadzhiev as well as the help, comfort and prayers of Rev. Father Rubin Reynolds and of all our family and friends during Mary’s ailment.
Mary is survived by her husband Dr. Erat Joseph, son Dr. Bobby Joseph, daughter-in-law Dr. Jasmine Joseph, daughter Dr. Bina Mampilly, son-in-law Dr. George Mampilly, granddaughters – Dr. Michelle Joseph and Anju Mampilly, and grandson Joey Mampilly. She is also survived by siblings – Mrs. Valsa Pattara & husband Mr. Varghese Pattara and Mrs. Santha Thomas & husband Mr. C.J. Thomas. She is preceded in death by brother Dr. Joseph Thoppil and sister Lalitha Vallicad.
Mary exemplified the Christian values of generosity and love. She was always friendly and cared deeply for others. After fulfilling her duties on this earth, Mary is entering her eternal home with Christ.
Funeral will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019. Viewing: 8:30 am to 11 am, at Saint Mark Catholic Church, 42024 Hwy 621, Gonzales, Louisiana 70737. Memorial Mass: 12 noon at Saint Mark Catholic Church, Followed by: Burial Ceremony at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815.
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