Mary Chacko

Mary Chacko of Mount Vernon, NY passed away on Saturday, December 13th. She was 88 years old. Mary was born in Kanjirapally, Kerala, India in 1926 to C.J. and Rose Thomas. She earned her B.A. in English Literature at Indraprastha College, Delhi University. In 1946 she married M.E. Chacko, and the couple moved to the United States in 1950 when Chacko began working at the Indian Consulate in New York. The couple lived in Manhattan and Queens, before purchasing their first home and moving to Mt. Vernon in 1967.

A wife, mother, and homemaker, Mary dedicated her time to community volunteering, fundraising for Indian charities and being an active member of the U.N. Women's Guild. She was an excellent cook and loved to read and play bridge. She took great pride in her home as a place of hospitality to overseas family, friends, neighbors and foreign dignitaries. All knew her as kind, charming and independent. Upon being suddenly widowed in 1973, Mary began a successful work career outside the home as a real estate agent, known for her market acumen and absolute integrity.

She will be missed by extended family all over the world, by her friends and especially by her grandchildren: Christopher and Rachel, and children: Eapen and wife Barbara, son Thomas and daughter Nina.

A Celebration of Mary's life will be held at the Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Avenue from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, December 19th. There will be a Mass on Saturday, December 20th at 10:00 AM at St. Catharine's Church, Pelham, NY.