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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Ammini T. Cherian

Ammini T. Cherian, 78, of Hockessin, Delaware entered eternal life peacefully at her home on January 2, 2026.

She was born in Mannar, India to Mr. & Mrs. M.C Thomas, Kochumaliyil, the youngest of six children. Ammini studied nursing in Andhra Pradesh, India before coming to the United States.  Being the hands and feet of Jesus, she had a long career in nursing before retiring from the Delaware State Hospital after 30 years where she was beloved by her coworkers and patients alike.

A devoted wife, she is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Abraham T. Cherian (Sunny).  A loving mother, she is survived by her children Abraham T. Cherian, Jr. (Preethy) of Wilmington, Delaware and Amy Dowd (Kyle) of Fishers, Indiana.  The role that she cherished above all was that of Ammachi to her three grandsons who were the apple of her eye, Jacob Dowd, Zachary Dowd, and Skaria Cherian.

Ammini will be remembered for her infectious smile, her gentle and sweet nature, her tenacity and strength and most importantly her incredible love for her family and friends.  While we will miss her presence here with us, we take great comfort and feel great joy that she is in the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ.

Visitation and funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:00 am at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware.

For those who are unable to attend, the service will be live streamed via the link below:

https://limestone.online.church/

Thank you for your well wishes and prayers.

Funeral Services

Visitation and funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:00 am at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware.

Condolences

    James Mathew writes,
    A heart felt condolences for the family. Let God give you peace that surpasses all your understanding be with you in this difficult time 🙏❤️❤️
    01/04/2026 10:58 am
    RAJAN P KURIAN writes,
    Our Heartfelt condolences .RAJU AND ELSY PALAKKAD
    01/04/2026 11:19 am
    Anne Lewis writes,
    Our deepest condolences on the loss of a truly wonderful woman. She was gentle, kind, and deeply loved by all who knew her. We take comfort in knowing she is now in heaven, resting peacefully in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
    01/04/2026 11:27 am
    Mrs. Samkutty & Family writes,
    Heartfelt condolences💐🌹
    01/04/2026 12:18 pm
    Reji Philip writes,
    It was a privilege to having known Ammini aunty. Her smile, care was truly genuine. Our condolences and Prayers to Sunny uncle and children. Latha and Reji
    01/04/2026 03:38 pm
    Al Dowd writes,
    Ammini was such a wonderful and joyful person to be around and a blessing to everyone she met. A great pleasure to be her friend.
    01/04/2026 04:41 pm
    Bobby Mathews writes,
    While the pain of loss is immeasurable, our God’s love and grace are boundless. May you find solace in His eternal promises. Praying that the happy memories we made and shared with Ammini aunty stay alive in our hearts / minds and continue to live on through us. Will cherish the time we spend together and how can we forget that contagious SMILE you wore ,even when you weren’t well. “For we do not grieve as others do who have no hope, for we believe that Jesus died and rose again”. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 . 💕Prayers🙏& our heartfelt condolences.🕯️ Bobby & Nancy Mathews.
    01/04/2026 06:08 pm
    Jinu Andrews writes,
    Heartfelt condolences and prayers. Aunty was a pleasant and devoted attendee of our church. She was always smiling and a great person liked by all of us.
    01/04/2026 06:21 pm
    Prima Elsa Jacob lit a candle and writes,
    I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved mother. As my brother-in-law, I have had the opportunity to know you closely, Aby, and it is evident that the values of kindness, humility, strength, and compassion you carry are a true reflection of your mother’s upbringing and love. Her life and guidance continue to live on through you and the family she nurtured so devotedly. No words can truly ease the pain of losing a mother, but may the memories you shared and the legacy she leaves behind bring you comfort and strength Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    01/04/2026 07:30 pm
    Jacob Mathew,Kuttothara writes,
    Dear Aby and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. Her values and grace are clearly reflected in the person you are today, Aby. Her legacy will continue through you and your family. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may God grant you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Jacob Kuttothara & Family
    01/04/2026 07:36 pm
    Dayee& Joyce Jacob writes,
    Our heartfelt condolences to Sunnychayan, Aby& Priya on beloved Amminy Auntie’s passing away. As residents of Hockessin , we frequently visited each other and enjoyed fellowship. Her hospitality and smile is unforgettable. Even when she was bedridden she was full of cheer. We were fortunate to have visited her in the past year and spend some time with her. We would miss her dearly. Dayee& Joyce
    01/04/2026 08:24 pm
    Thomas Chacko writes,
    Ammini aunty was a precious gift from God. Her gentle smile, warm presence and calm spirit reflected a heart of genuine humility and grace. Praying that the God of all comfort will hold you close, give you strength for each day, and surround you with His peace that passes all understanding. Our deepest condolences on your loss. ‘The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit’ (Psalm 34:18) - Shibu, Anu, Alex & Christy
    01/04/2026 08:36 pm
    Prima Elza Jacob (Muth) lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Aby and Family, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved mother. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this time of profound loss. A mother’s life is best reflected in the values, strength, and kindness she instills in her children. In knowing Aby as my brother-in-law, I can clearly see the love, and humility that your mother nurtured and lived by. Her legacy continues through you and the lives you touch each day. Though words cannot lessen the pain of losing a mother, may you find comfort in the memories you shared and pride in the life she lived. May God grant her eternal rest and give you and your family the strength to endure this sorrow. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Prima Elsa Jacob
    01/04/2026 09:06 pm
    Vidhu Alexander lit a candle and writes,
    My Condolences to Sunny uncle and the kids on the loss of Ammini Aunti. May she rest in peace and may God grant them the strength to navigate this difficult time. Ammini Aunti will be deeply missed.
    01/05/2026 02:36 am
    Selin Oonnoonny writes,
    We are so saddened by Ammini’s departure from this world. Her wonderful smile and love for everyone will be missed by all of us. It’s going to be very difficult for Sunnychayan to deal with the loneliness too. May you all comfort in knowing that she is in a better place now. We are sending our prayers and the deepest condolences your way. May her Soul Rest In Eternal Peace!🙏❤️🙏.
    01/05/2026 09:05 am
    Tommy Philips lit a candle and writes,
    My condolences to Sunny uncle, Aby, Amy and spouses and her 3 grandchildren. I wish miss aunty’s smile and warm personality. She was so kind to me and will now be with the Lord in heaven.
    01/05/2026 12:45 pm
    Santosh Thomas Kottarakalathil writes,
    Dear Sunny Uncle, Aby, and Priya, Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Amminy aunty. We are truly saddened by this great loss. Amminy aunty was a kind, loving, and gentle soul, and her memories will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. We cannot imagine the pain you are going through, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God grant you strength, peace, and comfort, and may Amminy aunty’s soul rest in eternal peace. With heartfelt sympathy and prayers, Kottarakalathil Family
    01/05/2026 12:46 pm
    Pretty Jacob ( Chinnu) lit a candle and writes,
    Sunnyuncle... I am so sorry for your loss. You lost a sweet and gentle soul, a partner who filled your heart full of love. But be happy for tomorrow because she left you with memories to cherish. She would want you to smile, love and go on. Abychaya & Amy Your mom lives in you. Her lessons and values became a part of you and I truly hope that the immense love she left you with will be a source of strength and comfort for you. Wishing you peace and comfort.
    01/05/2026 04:31 pm
    John Mathew(Kondody) writes,
    Dear Sunnychayan, I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ammini Aunty. My thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. May the Lord give you and your family strength, comfort , and peace during this difficult time . Our prayers are with you and may faith sustain you in the days ahead.
    01/05/2026 07:23 pm
    Gemini & Tommy Cownan lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Sunnychayan - we are so saddened to hear the passing of Ammini aunty. Her beautiful smile and love is unforgettable. Ammini aunty you will be surely missed. Our deepest condolences and prayers. May her soul rest in eternal peace🙏
    01/05/2026 10:10 pm
    Jaffin (Rijo) Thottumkal writes,
    Rest in peace Ammini aunty .!! Your gracious smile always stood up. Prayers to Sunny Chayan and family . 🙏💐
    01/06/2026 05:48 am
    Tom & Sheela George writes,
    Our deepest condolences to Ammini’s dear family! Only God can heal your hearts and comfort you as you grieve the loss of your dear one. We too had the opportunity to visit Ammini a couple of months ago and pray with her, Sunny, Amy, her sister, brother in law and Noelle, the nurse. We were so touched by Ammini’s smile and her peaceful countenance. Our prayers for the dear family, especially Sunny to taste the love and peace of God in their sorrow. May the comforting arms of God hold them tightly and fill them with the peace that only can come from Him!! Sending you our love! ❤️ Sheela & Tom
    01/06/2026 10:02 am
    Rupa Abraham lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Sunny Uncle, Aby , Amy , Preethy and kids , Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for your family. We will always Cherish aunty’s beautiful smile she has passed on to grandkids and her kids . Blessings and prayers Rupa & Shibu
    01/06/2026 12:03 pm
    Jose and Lovely lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Sunny uncle we know how deeply you loved Ammini aunty. We are saddened to hear of her passing. May God give you, Aby, Amy and their families peace and strength during this time of sorrow. Praying that God surrounds you with comfort and carries you through this difficult time.
    01/06/2026 05:37 pm
    Leelamma Joseph writes,
    Heartfelt condolences and prayers 🌹🌹🙏🙏
    01/07/2026 09:29 am
    Sheila lit a candle and writes,
    May her soul rest in peace. Raju & Sheila
    01/07/2026 09:59 am
    Susan Kuruvilla writes,
    Good morning, everyone. For those who may not know me, my name is Susan. I am Sunny Chayan’s younger brother’s wife, and I had the privilege of being Ammini Cherian’s sister-in-law—though to me, she was always simply Kochamma. To me, Kochamma was always more than just a sister-in-law. From the very first moment we met, there was an ease between us—an unspoken understanding that made our connection feel effortless and natural. I vividly remember her visit to India for our wedding in 1982. At that time, I was overwhelmed and stressed, adjusting to life in a new home with unfamiliar faces. But her presence and her warm, friendly conversation turned a difficult transition into a comfortable one. That became a beautiful pattern. Every five years, their visit to India was like a festival for all of us. When all the siblings and their children gathered, the house overflowed with laughter and joy. Those are memories we will cherish forever. Years later, in 2002, our family moved to the United States. We stayed with Sunny Chayan and Kochamma for a few weeks, and I felt lost—unsure of where to start in a strange country or how to navigate our children’s education. Kochamma stepped in with such practical love. I remember her giving me beautiful dresses for the changing weather. She even cut my long hair, looked at me with that famous wide smile, and said, “Much better!” Their guidance and mentorship during those early weeks provided the foundation we needed to begin our journey in this country. We constantly thank God for placing family like them in our path. It was a profound shock to our family when we learned of her illness, and we have been praying earnestly for her healing. While we grieve, we trust that God has a set time for everyone. I want to acknowledge how truly blessed she was to have such a devoted and loving husband by her side throughout her entire journey. May God give His peace and comfort to Sunny Chayan in his journey ahead. Kochamma, losing you has left a silence that feels unfamiliar. But your influence continues in all of us. We hold onto the hope that we will all meet again one day on that distant shore. We love you, Kochamma.
    01/07/2026 10:08 am
    Smitha Mathew lit a candle and writes,
    Extending our deep condolences and prayers at this time to dear Vellichen, Abychachen, Priti, Amy and kyle and dear Skaria , Jacob and Zachary as they are preparing for the Home going of their beloved wife/ loving mom and grandmother. She was our Valiyammai. Though the physical aquintance with her was not often, we all had a lot of memories of her during the time of their visits to kerala which all of us would always looking forward to. I was also a part of most of their visits to the houses of relatives and friends. Ammai was a very jovial person with a good sense of humour and always with a beautiful smile on her face. We always see her taking time to talk to people and listen to them with great love. I remember, during the wedding of our kochichen, ammai took all the effort to teach a malayalam song for Amy who was very young that time which she sang beautifully along with a special slang which became a very popular song for all of us. Many such memories are there to cherish. Thanking God for her life. As she has proceeded to the heavanly abode which her saviour Jesus prepared for her we pray that “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) comfort evey heart who are in grief and be consoled by the hope that we will meet her in the beautiful shore one day with our Lord Jesus🙏🏻🙏🏻
    01/07/2026 10:59 am
    Mammen lit a candle and writes,
    We all have such fond memories of Ammini Aunty and will miss her kindness, love and devotion to her family and church. Her warm presence and infectious smile touched our lives and all those around her. Praying for the whole family. May God give you comfort, strength and peace during this time, and may His peace and love surround you today and always. - Saju, Rema & Family
    01/07/2026 12:21 pm
    Saju & Rema lit a candle and writes,
    We have such fond memories of Ammini Aunty and will miss her kindness, love and devotion to her family and church. Her warm presence and infectious smile touched our lives and all those around her. Praying for the whole family. May God give you comfort, strength and peace during this time, and may His peace and love surround you today and always. - Saju, Rema & Family
    01/07/2026 12:53 pm

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