Mariamma Varghese

Varghese, Mariamma V., 79, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020. Visitation with family will be 2-4 pm, Sunday, February 16, and Funeral Service will be 10 am, Monday, February 17, both at Broadway Mortuary. She was preceded in death by parents, M.V. and Annamma Varghese; beloved husband, Varghese V. Varghese; and brother, M.V. Varghese. Survivors include her daughters, Sheelu (Ashok) Surender, Shyni Varghese (Peter Rauske) and Ann Varghese; brothers, M.V. Abraham and M.V. Alexander; sister, Susamma Easow; and granddaughter, Alea Surender. A memorial has been established with Victory In The Valley, 3755 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67218. Share condolences and view tribute video at www.CozineMemorial.com . Services by Broadway Mortuary.

Mariamma, also known to her family as Ammini, was born in Kerala, India in 1940. Rather than marrying right away, she showed an independent streak, pushing the boundaries of family expectations and tradition to get an education, travel, and work before settling down. She became a nurse and in 1969, married Varghese V. Varghese. The couple moved to Bombay, where they spent the early years of their marriage.

She immigrated to the United States in 1976. Wanting to make a better life for her family, she made the difficult decision to leave behind everything and everyone she knew, including her husband and two young daughters, ages 6 and 2. The family reunited a year later and started working tirelessly toward their American dream. Soon after, they were blessed with their third daughter. During their nearly 50 years of marriage, through hard work and sacrifice, with struggles and setbacks, but also joy and laughter, they ensured that each of their daughters had the education and opportunities they did not. Along the way, they were further blessed with a cherished granddaughter, two wonderful sons-in-law, and three loving grand-dogs.

Mariamma was the center of her family and her loss is one from which they will never fully recover. She was a natural caregiver to everyone who spent any time in her presence. Her radiant smile, words of kindness, and gentle insistence to “eat something!”, remain cherished memories for all of us. She will always be our beloved mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.