Mary Nathan, affectionately known as "Ammai," was born on May 24, 1932, into a humble Devanga Chettiar family in Coimbatore, India. Ammai attended a municipal school that provided education at no cost. One of her classmates eventually became the mother of Ammai's future daughter-in-law, Leena.

As a teenager, she grew up in the Mahim neighborhood of Mumbai. She cooked for migrant workers from her hometown of Coimbatore. There, she met her future husband, Muthu Arul Nathan, who was returning from his service in the Army. Muthu Arul Nathan noticed Mary while visiting the community kitchen run by Mary's parents. With a marriage proposal arranged by Muthu Arul's cousin, they eventually married on September 11, 1948, beginning a life centered on love, devotion, and commitment.

After a few years, Mary worked at Ruby Textile Mills in Dadar and as a packer at Glaxo Labs. In 1949, she gave birth to the first of her eight children. Following tradition, she dedicated her time to raising and caring for her large family, four girls and four boys.

Mary and Muthu's family started in modest circumstances, living for 22 years in a two-room tenement in Rao Wadi, where all their children were born and raised. Eventually, they bought a flat in Andheri and moved there in June 1973. Her son, Joe, now lives in this house with his wife, Rosy.

During her life, Ammai was blessed with 19 grandchildren, beginning with Russell in 1975 and concluding with Geneve in 2009. 1998, she moved to the US and obtained her Green Card in 2000. Mary became an American citizen in 2006 after studying diligently for the citizenship test with her family and friend, Ann. She cherished attending the canonization of Blessed Jeanne Jugan in 2009 with the LSOP group and having had the opportunity to meet with Pope Benedict. Mary had seen the last four Popes during her lifetime.

Mary cherished the time spent with her grandchildren, although it was limited due to the Covid restrictions. She showed immense joy when she saw them, reflecting the pride she held for each of her grandchildren.

Mary celebrated numerous significant milestones throughout her life, from the birth of her first child, Flora, to the weddings of her beloved children. Her unconditional love extended to her children's spouses, and she welcomed them into the family with an open heart.

After battling dementia, Mary passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024 at the age of 92.