Nalloor Library- Editor’s note: –
Dr. Mary John and her late husband Dr. K.Y. John were former members of Dubai Mar Thoma Parish. Dr. Mary John was a compassionate doctor, mentor and friend who helped bring nearly 3,000 babies into the world. “Dr Mary John, who worked tirelessly for 29 years, joined Dubai Hospital in 1987 and subsequently moved to Latifa Hospital in 1992, She served as the head of gynaecology at Latifa Hospital from 1996 -2006 and eventually held the post of head of the Dubai Gyanaecology and Fertility Centre (DGFC) from 2013 until her retirement.” She was also known for delivering many senior Dubai government officials.
Dr. Mrs. Mary John and Family are known to us Editors of Nalloor Library from 1987. We had the privilege to teach their children in Dubai Mar Thoma Sunday School. We gratefully remember Dr. Mary John’s role in obtaining the piece of land for the construction of the Mar Thoma Church in Jabal Ali.
Dr. Mary John’s mother Late. Mrs. Sosamma John was a member of the Vadakketh Family in Kuriannoor. (Sister of Mr. V. A. Chacko (Former Headmaster of Mar Thoma High School Kuriannoor. They were members of the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Parish Kuriannoor.)
Dr. Mary’s father Late K. O. Kurian was a member of the Peedikel Purakal family, Valiyodu, Kottarakkara. They were members of the Valiyodu Salem Mar Thoma Parish.
Text Below Courtesy: Family Members of Mrs. Mary John (originally published here)
Dr. Mary John Obituary
June 17, 1945 – August 21, 2026
Dr. Mary John, age 81, of Springfield, IL, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, faith, and devotion to family and community. Born on June 17, 1945, in Perak, Malaysia, she carried with her throughout life the values of hard work, humility, and service. She was the beloved daughter of the late Sosamma Kurien and the late Dr. K.O. Kurien, and she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. K.Y. John, and her sister, Jessy Thomas (husband, Rev. C.V. Thomas).
She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Dr. Ashish John and Dr. Anish John and their wives, Dr. Teena John and Dr. Kiran John; her cherished grandchildren, Ashwin John, Simran John, Yohan John, and Inara John; her brother, Thomas Kurien (wife, Dr. Santha Kurien); her cousin, Elizabeth Mathew; her nieces and nephews, Dr. Prem Thomas, Dr. Prakash Thomas, Susan Kurien, Esq., Miriam Tyrell, Esq.; numerous other close relatives and friends both here and overseas; and her faithful dog, Mickey, a Maltipoo who brought her great comfort and companionship.
She was fondly known as “Girly” by close family and friends, and as Dr. Mary by her professional colleagues. She was “Amma” not just to her children but to so many others that fondly knew her, and “Ammi” to her grandchildren.
She met and married the love of her life Dr. K.Y. John (affectionately known as “Johny”) in 1970. They had 47 years of happiness together before his untimely demise in 2017. They were the perfect complement to each other and were the definition of love and companionship that everyone they met aspired to.
Dr. Mary pursued her medical education with dedication and purpose, earning her medical degree from Calicut Medical College in Kerala, India. She continued her training in Brooklyn, NY, where she completed her OB/GYN residency at St. John’s Hospital.
She continued to work in New York until 1987 when the family moved to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. There, her commitment to women’s health and her steady leadership led to a distinguished career as Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Al Wasl Women’s Hospital in Dubai, where she worked for almost 30 years. She also served as the Director of the Dubai Gynecology and Fertility Center (DGFC). She mentored generations of young physicians and healthcare staff in their professional journeys guiding them to successful careers. Through her work, she touched countless lives with skill, wisdom and a calm, reassuring presence that earned the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of patients and families alike.
Upon retiring in 2016, she and Johny moved to Springfield, IL to be closer to their children and enjoy their retired life together. Unfortunately, that was interrupted by his premature demise. Thankfully, they had chosen to live in Stone Creek, a wonderful retirement community. This is where Mary met her closest friends for the last decade, Linda and Gary Galecki who moved in next door. Countless walks, afternoon teas and hours of conversation defined a cherished friendship that was such a blessing to her. Girly was known not only for her professional accomplishments, but also for the warmth and grace she brought to every relationship.
She loved staying in touch with friends, including her medical school classmates, and she treasured the bonds of family above all else. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and took great joy in their lives, accomplishments, and laughter. She loved listening to Ashwin play the guitar, watching Simran perform on stage and treasured reading and watching cartoons with the youngest grandchildren, Yohan and Inara. She always gave the BEST hugs, they enveloped the receiver with so much Love. Her loving nature was infectious, and she had the unique ability to bring joy and comfort to all those around her.
A devoted Christian, Mary’s strong faith guided her throughout her life. She found comfort and strength in prayer as well as devotional reading, and she lived with a quiet confidence rooted in her belief in God’s promises. Her spiritual life was central to who she was, and it shaped the kindness, patience and generosity she extended to others. Girly and Johny believed in helping others in any way they could. They provided support and guidance to countless family members and friends as they devoted themselves to the mission of helping people achieve success in their lives.
She was also deeply appreciative of life’s simple pleasures, including playing the piano, gardening, and reading all kinds of books.
Those who knew Dr. Mary John will remember a woman of joy, dignity, integrity, intelligence and deep compassion. She leaves behind a lasting example of a life well lived, marked by service to others, devotion to family, and steadfast faith.
Funeral Details – https://www.staabfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Dr-Mary-John?obId=49334760
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