Aleyamma Thomas Samuel

Aleyamma Thomas Samuel was born to Thomas and Susan Thekkan on January 15, 1937 in Veliyanad, Kerala, India. She was the fifth of seven children.

After completing her high school education, Aleyamma was the first in her family to pursue higher learning. She obtained her nursing training in Thiruvilla Medical Mission Nursing School and then moved to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP) to work. She went on to obtain her degree in Nursing Administration and Education at the Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing in New Delhi.

While she was working as a nurse in MP she met Samuel Oothuppan. The two were married on February 21, 1963 in Pathanapuram, Kerala. They spent 10 years in Gwalior. It was during those years where Aleyamma took water baptism and became an active member in her local church. Aleyamma and her husband were instrumental in planting a church where Pastor M.I. Thomas became the first pastor for IPC Gwalior. After spending 26 years in MP, Aleyamma moved to the United States in 1974 to continue her career in Nursing. She was joined by her husband one year later. After a short time of residing in various towns in New York/New Jersey, they ultimately relocated to Bellerose, Queens. Thereafter, she continued her pursuit of higher learning by obtaining a Masters degree in Nursing Education and Administration from Columbia University in New York City. She didn’t know it then, but, she would be a trailblazer for many young Malayalee women who saw her as a role model in the community.

During the years where they resided in New York, Aleyamma was a member of India Christian Assembly. She had a passion for women’s ministry and held various roles in organizations towards the spiritual growth and development of women around the country, including Secretary of the IPC Women’s Fellowship of New York and Ladies Coordinator of the Pentecostal Conference of North America Keralites in 1993 and 1997.

Following a successful career in Nursing Education, Aleyamma retired in 1999 from the Veterans Hospital located in the Bronx, NY. For some years, Aleyamma and Samuel moved to Ernakulam, Kerala where Aleyamma volunteered to assist in the training and education of prospective nursing students. They eventually returned to the states and settled down in Lakeland, Florida in 2004 and were actively associated with the local churches. Throughout her life, Aleyamma exhibited a great passion for the expansion of God’s kingdom. She often shared her testimony whenever given the opportunity. She continued in her zeal for sharing God’s faithfulness throughout her time as a member of Lakeland IPC.

Her love for children was demonstrated in every interaction she had with them. She often made banana splits and cream pies and always had a stash of candy to hand out. That led to her being affectionately referred to as “Candy Aunty”, “New Jersey Aunty”, and “Ammachi” by kids everywhere. She became known by many as a woman of incredible hospitality and hosting skills, always trying new recipes, current with the latest styles, and most importantly always learning how to play the latest board games so she can beat her grandnieces and grandnephews at the next sleepover.

Aleyamma was called to her eternal rest on July 2, 2022, at the age of 85, with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Samuel Oothuppan, her sister, Saramma Pinakulam and nieces and nephews whom she treated as her own children.

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

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