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Sr. Lisa – Elizabeth Uroth
of Poonithura, Kerala, India
who died at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Maryland
on 25th December 2023
aged 63 years, 32 of Religious Profession
Dear Sr. Lisa, as I stand before your mortal remains, I am reminded of your own heavenly patroness, St. Theresa of Child Jesus who saw suffering as a means of drawing closer to God and who offered her physical and emotional pains for the salvation of souls. Following her example, you too endured the “dark night of the soul” but remained steadfast in faith exemplifying a profound acceptance of suffering as a path to spiritual growth and gracefully bid farewell to us after bravely battling cancer. At this mournful juncture, words cannot express what lies heavy in our hearts. The angel of death came so swiftly to snatch away yet another flower from the garden of Josephine family.
Sr. Lisa’s maiden name was Lisy Chacko. Sr. Lisa was born on 12thJune, 1960 at Poonithura, Ernakulam District in Kerala to late Mr. V. L. Chacko Urothand late Mrs. Theresa Kutty.She belongs to St. James Parish Church, Poonithura Ernakulam Diocese.She grew up among 7 siblings - two brothers and five sisters. One of her greatest desires was to become a Missionary Sister. Sr. Lisa’s elder Sisters Sr. Julia and Sr. Ursula are instrumental in inspiring her to join our religious family. She joined us after completing her B. A.
Sr. Lisa made her first Profession on 29th June 1991 and Final Profession on 5th January 1998. She loved her vocation as a Sister of St. Joseph. Sr. Lisa was a warm-hearted personality, and she loved the people and the place wherever she was sent. She always retained the simplicity and spirit of sacrifice that was demanded of a Sister of St. Joseph. She was very meticulous in carrying out her responsibilities and in observing the rules and regulations. She gave God the first priority. The number of novenas she made daily to different saints and more especially to St. Theresa of Child Jesus her heavenly patroness speaks volumes about her faith-life. Sr walked into Palakonda Community as her last obedience, wherein she hardly spent a week. Even though she suffered much due to her illness she was fully involved in the life of the Community and its mission. She would be the first one to be present in the Chapel for prayers.
Sr. Lisa was a dedicated teacher and a remarkably jovial soul who brought warmth to those around her. At an early age, she faced the challenges of various illnesses, with unwavering patience and grace. In the face of adversity, she demonstrated resilience and grace, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Being a pious, enthusiastic, zealous, vibrant and unassuming personality, she shared in the life of the Province to the full. Sr. Lisa was an all-rounder and rendered her dedicated, committed services in various capacities such as a vibrant and energetic community member, an active participant in church and catechetical work, a loving animator, a dedicated teacher, an enthusiastic Headmistress and an able administrator, in the Communities and schools at Araku, Kakinada, Fort, R.V. Nagar, Waltair, Srikakulam, Georgepeta, Prathipadu and lastly in Palakonda, after which she succumbed to malignant cancer and took to intensive palliative care in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Maryland.
Owing to her enduring ill health Sr. Lisa came away from Palakonda Community in the month of June 2023 and faced a period of confinement in St. Joseph’ hospital, Maryland. On 23rd December her condition grew weaker and was put on ventilator. The whole Congregation was united with her in spirit from 23rd onwards, praying for her. Baby Jesus couldn’t see her suffering anymore, so, he called her to be with him on 25th December 2023 at 10 a.m.- in the morn of Christmas day at St. Joseph’s hospital. She was a great true devotee of Baby Jesus and on his birthday, he extended an eternal embrace, rewarding her unwavering devotion to him, a great blessing indeed!
Dear Sr. Lisa, your untimely demise pains us all. We really miss you, but you will continue to live in our memories. Thank you for living your religious life to the full and leaving behind a lot of good memories for us to remember and cherish. We find solace in believing that we now have another intercessor in heaven.
Sr. Lisa. May your soul rest in peace.