Dr. Thankam Mathew

Dr. Thankam Mathew (90) went to be with her Lord and her husband, parents and brothers. Dr. Thankam Mathew (nee Bastian) was born on April 11th, 1933 in Pudukad, Trichur district, Kerala, India to devout Christian parents. Dr. Mathew became the oldest Indian woman and American veterinarian of Indian origin, when she turned 90 in 2023. Throughout her career, Dr. Thankam Mathew was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and making significant contributions to veterinary medicine. She became the first woman veterinary student on campus in Madras Veterinary College, India, graduating with top honors and merit awards in 1958. Dr. Mathew became the first woman veterinarian to receive doctorate. Her Ph.D was characterizing the buffalo pox virus as a new entity within the pox group of viruses. Her other achievements included being the first lady veterinarian to join the faculty of Kerala Veterinary College (KVC), Mannuthy, Kerala, India; being the first woman in India to open and establish a veterinary and medical diagnostic laboratory in New Delhi in 1986; establishing Thajema Publishers, in 1987, the first publishing company in India founded by a woman veterinarian; and being the Founding Secretary of the Indian Association of Lady Veterinarians in 1985. Her career path led her to advocacy and meetings with the President of India, R Venkataraman, and the Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. Her profession also took her to Kaduna, Nigeria, all while raising three young daughters with her veterinary husband Dr. Zachariah Mathew. After migrating to the USA, Dr. Thankam Mathew, in her 60s still passionate about research, worked as a researcher at IGI Vineland Labs, Vineland, NJ. In her retirement years she continued to publish veterinary medical books under Thajema Publishers. Despite her many accomplishments and traveling to the 6 continents for her professional work, Dr. Thankam Mathew remained humble and dedicated to her work and was known for her strong Christian values, prayerful nature, humility, simplicity, kindness, generosity, and her love for life. In addition to her professional achievements, she pursued her hobbies in embroidery, cross-stitching, sewing, and gardening, showcasing her artistic talents. Dr. Thankam Mathew was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Zachariah Mathew, parents Mr. P.P. Devassy and Mrs. Mary Kattikaran, brothers Prof. Francis Thekkiniyath and Mr. Priyan Paul. She is survived by her daughters Dr. Trini Mathew, Dr. Tripthi Mathew and Dr. Taji Abraham, son-in-law Mr. Bijou Abraham and grandchildren Dr. Tanishq Abraham and Ms. Tiara Abraham. A viewing and visitation will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 9 to 10 am at the First Christian Church (FCC), Bloomington, IN. The Marthoma Church funeral service will be held from 10.30 am to12 noon at FCC followed by final blessing at the graveside. Mom will be laid to rest at the Valhalla Memory Gardens, Bloomington, IN where her late husband and our dear dad also rests. Our dear mom, and loving grandma will be missed dearly. But we know we will meet her at our Lord’s side. Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:42-43 In addition to flowers, you can also honor Dr. Thankam Mathew’s legacy and her love for plants, animals, children by making donations to the following charities: Save the Children - https://www.savethechildren.org/ Partners In Health - https://www.pih.org/ ASPCA - https://www.aspca.org/ A Tree to Remember - https://www.memorialtree.com/

Tributes

Dr. Thankam Mathew

April 10, 1934 - March 23, 2024