Thresiamma Puthiakunnel Thottam

Thottam, Thresiamma Puthiakunnel Died July 28, 2004, at Cedars Sinai Hospital. Thresiamma is remembered by her family as a loving mother and devoted wife. To her friends, neighbors and relatives, she was a model of patience, generosity, faith and courage. Born in 1937, in Kerala, India, Thresiamma excelled in her studies and earned a degree in nursing. The importance of education and hard work were primary values that she passed down to her children. Thresiamma worked as a registered nurse in India, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia before coming to the U.S. In 1968, she married Luke Peter Thottam and the two immigrated to America, eventually settling in Los Angeles. Thresiamma worked for 5 years in St. Vincent's Hospital before dedicating herself full time to raising her children and assisting her husband with the family real estate business. An active participant in the local Malayali community, Thresiamma was instrumental in helping to reunify families. Thresiamma was also a dedicated Catholic who supported the Church with her time, money, and prayers. Her kindness to others and unwavering faith in God were examples to other parishioners. In her later years, Thresiamma faced many hardships with dignity and strength. She again called upon her skills as a nurse to care for her husband following two strokes. After his death in 1999, Thresiamma continued to live a full life despite her own difficult medical conditions. She attended religious functions and family events with her children and enjoyed cooking and gardening. Thresiamma's life was defined by love for family, loyalty to friends, personal courage and a commitment to the Lord. Her spirit will carry on in the hearts of all of those who espouse those values. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth, and sons, Peter and Jameson. A funeral Mass will be held August 7th at Holy Cross Mortuary in Culver City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salesian Missions (c/o Don Bosco Mission, Thirupattur PO 635601, Tamil Nadu, India).