Ilachiamma

At the age of 18, Philippose Kathanar married Ilachiamma, the daughter of Thottackad Valiyamannil Varghese Tharakan. Achan, who received half of Varghese’s property as dowry, lived at Puthuppally Pallimeda, Kuzhiyadithara and Valiyamannil. Philippose Kathanar and his wife lived in Valiyamannil, as Varghese Tharakan had no sons. They had five sons and one daughter. Apart from one deceased son, his other sons, Varghese, Koshi, Pothan, Yohannan and daughter Mariamma (Kochupenn) grew up in Valiyamannil itself. During his stay at Valiyamannil, Philippose Kathanar got fever and was taken to Kuzhiyadithara, where he died on 22^nd November 1879 at the age of 33. He was cremated at his parish church, Puthuppally church. Ilachiamma was pregnant at that time. Their child, who was born four months later, was named as Yohannan. Ilachiamma provided necessary help for the construction of Thottackad Mar Aphrem church. She was also known to have donated hanging lamps, chains, bronze vessels and candlesticks, for church use. At that time, Ilachiamma also took the responsibility of preparing food for the priests and others, who came to perform rituals in the church. Ilachiamma passed away on 28^th September 1941 at the age of 90. Her dead body was buried in a specially prepared grave in the courtyard of Mar Aphrem church, Thottakkad.