DEATH NOTICE: SISTERMARY SMITA: July 8, 2025
“The Eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are around you…….”
Deuteronomy: 33:27
SISTER MARY SMITA (Valsamma Mathew) ND: 6744
Date of Birth: April 24, 1954
Beginning of Novitiate: January 01, 1975, Patna, India
Temporary Profession: December 18, 1976
Perpetual Profession: May 10, 1984
Entered into Eternity: July 8, 2025
Funeral and Burial: July 10, 2025 at SND Cemetery, Formation House, Mysore.
Sister Mary Smita, fondly known as Valsamma, was the third child among the eight children born to Mr. Mathew A.K. and Mariyakutty, in St. Xavier’s Parish, VILAKKUMADAM, Kerala, India. They are seven girls and one boy. She was baptized on April 30, 1954. On June 10, 1961, while in Class 3, she received her First Holy Communion which was a moment of profound joy for her. Welcoming the Lord into her heart felt like receiving a gift she had long been yearning for. She was confirmed on October 13, 1967, completing a cherished chapter in her faith journey.
Sister Mary Smita completed her high school studies in 1971. Inspired by the talks given by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, she felt a deep and growing desire to become a missionary. When she shared this calling with her parents, they were hesitant to support her decision.Her elder sister, who was training to be a nurse, encouraged her to pursue nursing studies in Bangalore. Valsamma, as she was then known, considered embracing religious life after completing her studies in nursing. To begin this path, she needed to learn English, and her sister arranged for her to study with a group of Sisters in Bangalore.Guided by Divine Providence, she found herself learning English with the Sisters of Notre Dame. Their support and influence gently led her to discern a deeper calling, and she eventually chose to enter Notre Dame Convent. With her parents’ blessing, she was joyfully accepted as a candidate on June 1, 1972.In her autobiography, she lovingly recalls this day as the happiest day of her life that set the foundation for a lifetime of faithful service.
After her Temporary Profession, she completed Notre Dame Teacher Training in Patna and pursued graduate studies at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore and B. Ed at Annamalai University in Chennai. She served as a dedicated educator in both urban schools and mission stations, including Notre Dame Academy (Patna and Jamalpur), Hartmann School (Kurji), Julie Bhawan (Chenari), Notre Dame School (Darjeeling), Sophia High School (Bangalore), Julie School (Patna), Notre Dame School (Binnaguri), and Notre Dame School (Vettikuzhy, Kerala). She also taught young candidates at the Formation House in Mysore.
True to the beauty of her name, Sr. Mary Smita’s radiant smile could light up any gathering. Cheerful and steadfast, she was unwavering in her dedication to the mission of education. She taught with love and a determined spirit to uplift even the weakest student, drawing out the very best in each one.
The boys of Jamalpur, in particular, held her in deep affection and admiration, cherishing not only her biology lessons but the way she made learning come alive. Though petite in stature, she commanded the classroom with effortless discipline, rooted in respect and kindness. Sr. Mary Smita was known for her quick wit and delightful sense of humour. Her storytelling sparkled with jokes and well-chosen idioms, gave every narration a delightful punch and charm.
Sr. Mary Smita is fondly remembered by her teachers in Sophia as a motherly presence who fostered unity and support, with grace, warmth, and compassion. Her lively andjoyful spirit continue to resonate deeply with all who knew her in Sophia.
Due to declining health, she was unable to continue her teaching ministry from 2012 onwards. Over the years, she required medication to manage health conditions.In 2019, she moved to the assisted living facility at Shalom Sadan in Vijayanagar, Mysore, where she embraced a ministry of prayer and quiet presence. Her health required frequent hospitalization and ongoing care from ourdedicated sisters and caregivers. In her years of pain and suffering, Sr, Mary Smita turned to prayer. She prayed deeply and often embracing her condition with courage, grace, and unwavering faith. Through it all, she remained close to her God.
On July 8, 2025, at around 5:30 a.m., she was rushed to the hospital with breathing difficulties. Just an hour later, at 6:30 a.m., she gently passed into eternity, leaving this world with quiet dignity and peace. May the angels surround her as she enters the radiance of God’s presence, and may the saints greet her with open arms in the land of light and life. May her soul find everlasting rest and may she intercede for us at the throne of God’s mercy.