Obituary of Sr. Theresa Pallithanam

Sister Theresa Pallithanam, age 98, died peacefully on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, NJ. The daughter of Luka Mathai and Anna Cyriac Pallithanam, both now deceased, Sister Theresa was born in Kainady, India.

After graduating from Little Flower Elementary School in Kavalam and Little Flower High School in Pulincunnoo, she attended Carmel College, University College, and Kerala University, all in India, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Teaching degree. Throughout her education, she felt a call to religious life and entered the Daughters of Mary. After twenty-one years in religious life, in 1972, Sister Theresa left the Daughters of Mary and eventually found her way to the United States.

After applying to several communities, Sister Theresa found a home with the Mercy Sisters and entered the community on October 31, 1981. “Before leaving my old country, I had a passion for serving the poor,” Sister Theresa said. “The Mercys have that same passion for charity work.” She ministered in Auxiliary Services and as a volunteer at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung, St. Mary Academy, Lakewood, and Mount Saint Mary, Watchung, before spending her final years at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, NJ.

Visitation will take place at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, 1633 Highway 22, Watchung, NJ, on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Wake: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Prayer and Sharing of Memories: 10:30 a.m.

Funeral Liturgy: 11:30 a.m.

Burial will be in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield, NJ, following the Funeral.

Memorial donations may be made to Sisters of Mercy, 1645 US Highway Rt. 22 West, Watchung, NJ 07069.