Obituary of Betty Francis

Betty Grace Francis, 81, of New Hyde Park, NY passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 1, 2023 at 12:15AM.

Betty was born on December 6, 1941 to Payyappilly Mathai Augustine and Anna Augustine in Ernakulam, Kerala, India as their 10^th of 17 children. After her high school, she got her teaching diploma and taught kindergarten for over 26 years. She was lovingly remembered by her students and coworkers for her love of music, dance, school shows she organized and coached, and for her fun personality.

Betty married George Francis Kodakuthumparambil on November 29, 1967 and went on to have four children, Bindu, Bijoy (George), Binoy (Augustin), and Benson (Sebastin). She took early retirement from her teaching career in 1994 and migrated to New York with her family. In New York, she continued her passion for her family, church and music by being a member of the church choir for the Indian Latin Catholic Apostolate, and was frequently seen participating in numerous church and cultural celebrations. Betty’s family, friends and church family fondly remembers her sensational performances during many of these events; one such fun memory is her performance as the cool, radical grandma dancing on stage with the kids during a New Year’s Eve cultural event (while in her 70s!). Betty was awarded the “Shining Star” award by the Brooklyn and Queens Diocese in 2013 for her outstanding service to the community.

Her children, grandchildren, family, and anyone who has met her fondly remembers Betty’s energetic, upbeat, and positive energy, regardless of family hardships or health issues. She had a contagious smile, an easygoing and affable personality that made her presence and conversations fun and enjoyable (even to her care staff at the hospital). The day before her passing, she was found joking around, and singing with her sisters who visited her in the hospital!

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Francis in 2018. She is survived by her daughter Bindu (PaulJerry) Koilparampil, her sons Bijoy (Sithara), Binoy, Benson (Jisha), and her grandchildren Chris, Amy, Neha, Renée, and Asher. From her large family of 16 siblings, she also leaves behind six siblings, and an “army” of nephews, nieces, and their children.