Annamma Thomas

THOMAS, Annamma, 86, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on December 28, 1939, in Chirakkadavu, Kerala, India, she was the beloved daughter of Chandy Ittiavira and Mariamma Mathai. She was a devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend whose warmth, compassion, faith, and generosity touched countless lives throughout her family and community. Annamma’s life was marked by courage, dedication, and a deep commitment to her Syro-Malabar Catholic faith and caring for others. As a nursing student at Holy Family Hospital in Patna, Bihar, India, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1964. She began practicing nursing in New Delhi in 1966 and later came to the United States on March 13, 1971, where she began working as a registered nurse at Detroit Memorial Hospital. In February 1973, Annamma married Devasia Thomas, of the Vattakanal family, at St. Dominic’s Church in Mundankal, Pala, Kerala. Later that summer, they returned to Detroit, Michigan, to begin their married life together. At the heart of her life was her family, to whom she devoted herself completely. She was the beloved wife of the late Devasia Thomas and a loving mother to Rome (Nina) and Chris (Avni). She was also a proud grandmother to Naya, cherishing every moment she spent with her. Annamma lived a life grounded in service and care for others. As a nurse, she dedicated herself to helping and comforting people with patience, empathy, and quiet strength. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her profession and into every part of her life. Annamma was especially known within the Detroit Kerala community for her welcoming nature and generous spirit. She very much enjoyed supporting the artistic and creative expression within the Kerala Club community. Along with Thomachan, she encouraged the youth of the community to explore their creative gifts in music and performance and to use those gifts as a way to build lifelong connections. She always believed in the importance of nurturing both talent and confidence in the next generation. Annamma is survived by her siblings Josekutty (Leelamma), Thresiamma (Tom), Tessy, and Anil. She was predeceased by her siblings Thankamma, Mary, Rosamma, and Alex. She is also survived by her loving family and countless relatives, friends, and community members whose lives were enriched by her kindness and generosity. Those who knew Annamma will remember her for her kindness, generosity, faith, resilience, and the comforting presence she brought into every room. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved deeply, the community she helped strengthen, and the many lives she touched through compassion and encouragement. A visitation celebrating Annamma’s life will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. Annamma will lie in state beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with funeral services to follow at 10:30 AM at St. Faustina Catholic Church, 14025 12 Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48088. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Village of East Harbor in Chesterfield, Michigan, in her memory: https://pvmfoundation.org/eastharbor/

Annamma Thomas

December 28, 1939 - May 5, 2026