Abey Sarah Varghese, 28, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2008,
at Sloan Kettering Memorial
Hospital. Abey was born in Syracuse, NY the daughter of Alexander and Sosamma Varghese. She graduated from West Genesee High School in 1998. She earned her bachelor's degree in computer information systems from SUNY Albany and earned her master's degree in computer security and digital forensics from Boston University. She was employed by Utec Product in Schenectady. Abey was a member of the St. Thomas Orthodox Church of Syracuse and was a dear friend to many.In addition to her mother, Abey is survived by her sister, Betsy Varghese; uncles, Jose Zachariah, Sunil Zachariah and George Kurian; aunts, Jessy George, Susamma Mathew, Renu Zachariah, Bindu Jose and Elizabeth Tharakan; and many cousins.
She was predeceased by her father, Alexander, and her uncle, John Zachariah. The funeral service was held on Sunday at 1 p.m. at St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, 100 Troy-Schenectady Road, Watervliet, New York 12189. Interment was followed after the burial service at Evergreen Memorial Park, 2150 Central Avenue, Schenectady, NY.
Abey lived a life of service. She spent a significant amount of time babysitting, tutoring, teaching, and volunteering. Abey knew the importance of making charitable donations to a worthy cause, but she also felt that giving of one’s talent, time, and energy was a more worthwhile experience. Her willingness to help came so naturally that at times it did not seem like a voluntary act of kindness, but rather a gift of love that she choose to share with others. This innate gift of kindness was deeply rooted in her faith and guided her through life. Her generous spirit exuded through her tiny frame and created an aura of compassion around her. Although she is no longer with us, she has left us with more than enough inspiration to continue her mission of goodwill and by that inspiration a new foundation was formed called as "Now Its Your Turn" foundation
The goal for this foundation is not only to exemplify Abey's contributions to society, but more importantly to continue her dedication to service. Abey recognized how small one's place is in all of creation, yet she believed that there was nothing grander than each individual life, bursting with all its beauty, hopes, and dreams. Today the foundation is moved to action by her undying courage and her remarkable spirit. Through this foundation lets hope to inspire others to take her example and pass the message of service along. The mantra of "Now It's Your Turn" is to transform the lives of our neighbors, one good deed at a time. So in loving memory of our dear friend, we dedicate our good deeds to our fellow man in her name.
The foundation can be visited at: http://nowitsyourturn.org/about/inspiration/
The Memorial page created by Abey's friends can be visited at :
http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/abeyliveson/MemorialSite.aspx
Please keep praying for Abey and her family, she left behind on earth. If you wish to share any experiences you had with Abey, eulogies, condolences or if you would like to convey any message to her family, please send them to webmaster@stpaulsalbany.com
October 17, 2008
'When she shall die,
Take her and cut her out in little stars,
And she shall make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night,
And pay no worship to the garish sun.'"
- Romeo & Juliet
~
Anupam Bhaumik,
New York, New York
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What
do I say. Abey was one of the most respectful, compassionate, and
loving person I ever met. I do truly believe she is an angel. I wish I
had the chance to tell u that I always thought of you like my own
sister. That day in the hospital I wanted to say it. But I thought you
would be ok. MY prayers are with your family, and friends. You will
always be in my families heart. And I hope that one day my daughter can
be half of the type of person you. That would make me a proud father.
Thank you always.
Anil, Bindiya, and Maya Prasad
~
Anil Prasad,
Albany, New York
October 07, 2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 06, 2008
I
actually didn't know Abey too well. I met her through a friend and had
seen her around Albany a few times. From what little amount of time I
did see her though, I could tell that she was a very friendly and
outgoing person. Spending time around her family and friends this past
weekend, I realized how much of an impact she had on other people's
lives. I never realized that many of my friends or family were so close
to her, but how could you not be? Her smile really was contagious, so it
was impossible to not befriend her. I didn't expect to get so emotional
at the Funeral, but when you know that you lost someone that made such a
difference in the lives of others... it REALLY gets to you. I used to
always ask "Why does God have to take away the good people so fast?" But
after this weekend, I've begun to realize that.. it's because He wants
people like Abey closer to Him.. to be his angels... And that's exactly
what Abey is, whether it have been here on Earth.. to so many people..
or to God, up in heaven. Abey was and always will be an Angel. I know
she'll be missed terribly, but this should be a lesson to all of us, her
family, friends, and acquaintances... to become a better person like
Abey was.. to make a difference in the lives of others... to be God's
angel... on Earth.
~
Rejani Pillai,
Albany, New York
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 06, 2008
i did not know abey, but any loss is difficult. prayers with family and friends.
~
Dustin Morris,
Clifton Park, New York
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 06, 2008
I
am very sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of Abey. Abey’s
smiling face will never be forgotten. I remember Abey and her sister
Betsy used to visit their uncles and other family members in Albany when
they were in School. At that time she used to perform various dances
with her sister Betsy during Capital District Malayalee Association’s
(CDMA) cultural activities. She was very pleasant, energetic and
passionate. I still can’t believe Abey is gone! May God give her eternal
rest and may her soul rest in peace! My family join with me to convey
our condolences to Abey’s Mom and sister Betsy. Our thoughts and prayers
are with you. We know that it's a very difficult time to get thru. May
God give all strength and courage you need to get you through...
Moideen & Family, East Greenbush, New York
~
Abdulrahman Moideen,
East Greenbush, New York
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 05, 2008
To everyone affected by Abey's passing:
I
met Abey in high school where we became very close. She was the
sweetest, strongest, and compassionate person. I like to think we have
kindred spirits. We lost contact during her time in Albany and I will
ALWAYS regret that. Just recently, I found her profile on Facebook after
searching for a number of years. I was ecstatic. Shortly after finding
her however, I learned of her illness and was crushed. My family prayed
for her consistently. Now that she is gone, I am devastated. I take
comfort in knowing we will meet again in Heaven yet, it doesn't take
away my pain. I miss you Abey and love you so much. Everyone you crossed
paths with couldn't help but be affected by your unique personality. My
heart and prayers are with your precious mom and your kind sister Betsy
as well as the rest of your family and friends. I love you and miss
you. You will ALWAYS be in my heart!! Til we meet again my dear
friend............
~
Shawn Derby & Family,
Syracuse, New York
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 05, 2008
To
Abey's Family and dear Friends: "As the days and weeks pass, and as you
return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the
love and support of family and friends".
Sweet Abey, I will keep
you in my prayers and will always remember you as the 'quiet' girl. You
were always a soft-spoken young lady and you have touched many people
throughout your life, including myself. Although we hadn't kept in touch
these past 10 years, it feels like yesterday that I last saw you in
class. May you rest in peace, sweetie.
Sincerely,
Meghan (Sill) MacDonnell & Family
~
Meghan MacDonnell,
Hoboken, New Jersey
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October 02, 2008
"Our
deepest sympathies. Please let us know how we can support you during
this most difficult time. Blessings, The chaplains at The Center For
Spiritual Care at Upstate Medical University Hospital." - Rayne Dabney
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October 02, 2008
"Although I did not know your beautiful daughter, I would like to offer my sympathies. God Bless" - Geri Moorman
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