George Mathew (Thankachen) was born on May 27,1932 to Puthenveetil Gheevarughese Mathew and Mariamma Mathew of Kadavil Peedikayil House Puthencavu, Kerala. The third of six siblings, he graduated from Metropolitan High School, Puthencavu and received his BA in Economics from the Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. He was captain of his college football (soccer) team and very engaged in church activities at a young age. He joined the Sleeba Dasar Samooham (Servants of the Cross), a charitable mission organization of the Malankara Orthodox Church of India where he served those in need. He married Annamma Chacko (Ammini) in 1965 and they had three children together, living and working in Calcutta and Bangalore before immigrating to Chicago and finally settling in Los Angeles, CA for the past 44 years. George (Thankachen) went home to Jesus on June 26, 2024 at age 92. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the wonderful life he lived.

His personal characteristics – his charismatic warmth, infectious joy, quickness to help others and share his life and talents - left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to come into his orbit. He was a multitalented person – athletically quick, a gifted vocalist, a prolific writer of songs and plays – a “Nimisha Kavi”, actor, director and a lover of the performing arts! He was a founding member of the St. Thomas Orthodox Church of Los Angeles, where he served many years as acolyte and assistant to the priest, Managing Committee member and Trustee for the church twice, among many roles.

He is survived by his wife Annamma (Ammini) George, daughter and husband (Sheba George & Kirk Edwards), son and wife (Mathew and Soli George) and son and wife (Jacob and Sajini George) and grandchildren Roshni and Vinay Edwards, Vijaya, Kavitha and Asha George, and Shyamala and Mohan George. Despite our present grief, we find comfort in knowing that this is a temporary separation, and we will meet again, given our hope in eternal life.

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