Felix (Rajan) Mathew, (1937 - 2018) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Celebrating the life of our brilliant, loving, caring, and compassionate father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, professor and friend, Felix (Rajan) Mathew.

81 years old
Born on August 22, 1937 in Trivandrum, Kerala, India
Passed away on October 13, 2018 in Concord, Massachusetts, United States

Felix Mathew (AKA Rajan/ Acha) passed away at his home from diabetic heart/kidney complications on October 13th, 2018. As he wished, he was comforted by the presence of family during this time. Felix was born on August 22nd 1937 in Trivandrum, India and was drawn to music, public speaking, and Christian faith at a young age. Although Felix experienced many careers in his life, his passion was teaching. His faith guided him through the years and was an important source of comfort in his final days. His love and legacy continue through his wife Leelu (Mary), his brother Gilbert, his 3 children and their spouses (Matthew and his wife Carrie, Thomas, and Rose and her husband Chris), and his grandchildren (Maya, Lily, Noah, Miles, Laiya, and Grace). He will join his parents Mathew and Mercy; his sister Marykutty; and his grandson Gabriel in the afterlife. A year after Acha's passing he sent us a sweet little angel, his granddaughter Arya Felix Cratsley who joined our family October 2019.

Felix felt flowers should be sent to the living. In lieu of flowers, Felix wished to have donations made to support those in need and asked that you make a donation to a non profit of your choice or to Ivy Child International, a mindfulness non-profit, founded by his daughter, Rose.
Donations can be made to ivychild.org and can be designated to the Felix Family Foundation Fund in honor of Felix Mathew and Gabriel Felix, to help underprivileged children and families. Donations can be made here.

We created this site to celebrate the life of our dear father Felix Mathew, also known as Rajan, whom we lovingly call Acha.

Words will never be enough to describe the husband and father we love so much. He is a man full of life, love, music and laughter.

You can watch here a video collage of memories with Felix (Rajan) Mathew.

Matt, Thomas and Rose are gathering memories of their father and would appreciate your collaboration. Please go to the "Stories" tab and share your favorite memory of our father, or tell us what he meant to you. And don't hesitate to upload pictures of him we may not have seen.

We thank you in advance for your contribution - it means a lot to us.

- The Felix Family

Tributes

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October 8, 2022

Rachayan was a successful person, who only knows to love , who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of all and the love of children , who has filled his niche and accomplished his task , who leaves the world better than he found it, who has never lacked appreciation of others beauty or failed to express it , who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. Everything included in his beautiful smile and Hugs. I miss him a lot.

October 9, 2021

What a wonderful man, he was kind, gregarious and filled with life. It was truly an honor to have known him

October 13, 2020

Rajuchayan will always be missed.

August 22, 2020

My dear Felix Sir of Mar Ivanios, celebrating his 83rd birthday in heaven with Angels all around singing the Glory of our Lord....

February 6, 2019

Felix Sir was a role model. These times, when people fret about every small imperfections that we unfortunately have as mere mortals, here was a man who celebrated life to the fullest. Everything about him was so positive that everyone around him felt peaceful! When Mrs Mary Felix came to see me last month, I came to know about his passing away in October 2018. He was a great friend of ours and has touched all of us with his extraordinary energy and affection. May his soul rest in peace...

November 24, 2018

My dear Acha, what an oxymoron you were. You lived life big & full out! You’re always the life of the party, sharing stories, & songs, telling jokes with that great big hearty laugh of yours; yet you were also a pensive, quiet, man determined to live life on your own terms. Compassionate, spiritual, altruistic & hospitable are terms that embodies you as an individual and permeated your life’s work & relationships. We always felt welcomed, loved & encouraged when in your presence. Ty for making us feel like family & for sharing the rich culture of your homeland with us. We miss, love and appreciate all the special moments we shared.
Much Love,
Andrew & Eneida

November 24, 2018

I along with my husband met Felix uncle on December 10, 2017, when we came to attend the wake service our Dr. K. Y.John at Springfield. It was love at first sight for me. I saw him and Leelu aunty entering the funeral home. I was impressed seeing both of them and later coincidentally we shared the same table for lunch. Within
that short time, uncle shared his story of landing in New York and how he found Leelu aunty. We felt a deep bonding between both our families. Later, we met in Chicago and his daughter, Rose and her family visited us.
About uncle, the great quality which attracted me, was his staunch faith and he celebrated every bit of life. His hearty laugh expressed the openness to life. He sang Hindi songs for us. Still I watch those videos of the song. He was prod of his beloved wife and children. I praise God for giving an opportunity to meet the legend.
Peace for all

November 23, 2018

Dear Leelu chechi,
It was only earlier this year that we had occasion to meet. Because Chetan remained indisposed, it was you who did the running around.
But, in your busy and tight schedule, you could include visiting us, newly met people from Palakkad, and spend time with our children and grand children. The few interactions we had with you remain fresh and will remain so for a long time. Back in Kerala, now many of our friends and relatives know Chetan and you through narration of your loving ways of life. We wished if we had a longer association with you and received more hugs from Chetan and heard more of his inimitable renditions.
We record our gratitude to Mr Mathew Dominic who was instrumental in introducing you and Chetan to us. We pray that chetan's soul influence us in acquiring the many lovable and admirable traits of his unique character.
We pray for chetan and you. Your Muthukutty inherits almost all of chetan's qualities. You shall remain ever happy.

November 22, 2018

Captivating Felix Sir, a Memoir.
I was a student in Mar Ivanios College during the mid Sixties and there began a
‌resplendent relationship between a teacher and student though he never taught me in a class room as we were from different disciplines. But we were intimately and actively together in AICUF, All India Catholic University Federation, as a Senior / Staff leader and a student member. The
relationship grew to more sublime levels during my first AICUF Camp held at Mar Ivanios in 1964.It was a three day camp and attended by a number of students from many colleges from central Travancore. Ever charismatic Fr. Samual Rayan S.J, was leading the camp snd Felix Sir was a Senior leader! That was my beginning in AICUF and I owe myself to this great Jesuit organization that nurtured me and the leadership it imparted in me made me what I am today. I continued as its Animator for many years and with Felix Sir and other leaders we formed OLAM, Old Leaders of AICUF Meet in 2006. We meet every year since then and Felix sir and Leelu were frequent participants until they left to reside in the US.
He was not only a celebrated Commerce teacher but also a multifaceted personality. He sings melodiously and plays brilliantly on Hawain guitar. In those days the youth were after Spanish guitar as it was an unavoidable item in any musical concerts.
But Felix sir had this different option. At leisure times he entertained us with his melodious voice accompanied by guitar.
"നൊന്തു നൊന്തു ഞാൻ വളർത്തിയ
കാട്ടു മുല്ല പൂത്തതില്ല.... "
(The wild jasmine that I nurtured
So painstakingly,
Has never flowered.. )
was one of his favourite songs that he sung occasionally and the listeners were simply entranced in the melencholic mood of the song. These lines still reverberate in the inner most recess of my heart and with it the nostalgia of a bygone era where the figures of charismatic personalities remain aglowing. May his soul rest in eternal bliss.We shall all meet on that Beautiful Shore in the sometime of tomorrows.
With fond remembrence
Tomi Eapen

November 14, 2018

I love and miss my Rachayan (Felix) and it still hurts whenever I think about him, but I'm glad I knew him and I'm more proud to say I am a part of his family. October 13th, 2018 was the day i lost someone very dear to me. Rachayan was by far one of the most amazing people I had the honor and pleasure of knowing. Even more so, I am proud to say that I am related to this man. Everyone loved talking to him and always wanted advice from. Our family grew closer because of him and Leelu Aunty. There was always music when he was around, there was laughter, there was happiness and everyone acted as if they didn't have a care in the world when he was in the House. Around him, I never once questioned my worth, my talent, my looks or my purpose. He always had something to say to brighten my spirits and always something to say when I wanted nothing more to give up. He pushed me like he pushed everyone else in our family and it was his biggest prayer to see me as a lawyer. I still miss him and I wish my sisters (Sandra and Tintu) had the chance to know him like I did. I wish they had the chance to hear stories from "back in his day" or listen to his tales about working as a Teacher.
Rest in peace Rachaya , LOVE YOU ALWAYS .

October 17, 2018

I went to a beautiful funeral yesterday of an amazing man named Felix!
He was know by many names but to Prem and me he was just Felix... actually I did not even know his last name! I had heard for many years of this charismatic, talented, charming, extroverted man who sang and danced and acted at every function in NY... I knew he taught College in Changanacherry , my grandparents hometown... and we had many common friends.
We finally got to know him and Leelu and their beautiful daughter Rose after they moved to MA. Sad to say we really got to know him better in his dying days! One visit I especially remember .. we sat together and sang English oldies like Kesara sara! and he was all smiles thinking of his youth! What inspired me most about Felix was that though he knew he was dying he lived every day to the fullest right up to the end! I loved that he wanted a simple funeral with no bells and whistles.. it was simple and beautiful! He must be singing now with the angelic choirs in his booming bass voice! Rest in peace dear Felix!

October 16, 2018

We’ve been thinking a lot about Acha and all those saying farewell to him, especially during the Mass today. A piece of an old song comes to mind when I think of him, and I hope it gives some comfort on this difficult day: “Though my soul may set in darkness/It will rise is perfect light/I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”

October 16, 2018

Felixsir is always so special to us since 1968, while he was our Lecturer at St.Berchmans College Changanacherry.
Even while at USA, we used to keep in touch and cherish our memories. During our SB College 1970 BCom Batch reunion, in 2015, since he was unable to attend the same, he sent a video clipping which we played during our get together, and all were admiring at his "still charming and smiling attitude".
Couple of weeks back, while Felixsir and Leeluaunty visited Reji and Mercy at Cincinnati, he really wished to see us, we spend an evening with him, even we played 28 Card game with him (for the first and last time sadly!). So vibrant and shrewd while playing card game, that the "Guru and Shishya team" was not defeated.
It is so sad to say goodbye to him, but sure you will live in our hearts for ever.
May your soul Rest in Peace, for which we do pray ..Joys and Alice

October 16, 2018

Leelammachechy,
We do not have words to console you and venue to show our Heartfelt emotions. We will be there in spirit when you celebrate your dear husband, a loving father, a caring grandpa and all the more a smiling, caring personality to all around him.
We will miss Rajuchayan from this world for sure. Like we are all taught we will meet him again.
Death is definite for all of us. Only the time is unknown.
For Rajuchayan, he made himself ready and was expecting death any moment in front of him. No matter what time it came to him he was ready and was not afraid of leaving from this world.
We are very happy that we could share some time with him and you and value and cherish that to the core and the rest of our lives.
Love you and love him. Matt, Tom, Muthukkutty the loss is real, however, the lovely memories of your Acha will be with you and will live for ever.
When you get a chance please come and stay with us few days.
Let Rajuchayan’s Soul Rest In Peace.
Rohini and Ousephachan Florida.

October 15, 2018

♥️Vallyauncle
He was my inspiration...
His life was an open book full of lessons for others to learn.A lovely soul,whom everyone loved & admired a lot...
He was my mentor, father figure, and a good friend too..
I was waiting for him to come down next month. But we plan something & God decides something else.
I know its not possible,still I wish one more time to sit with him and enjoy his humorous talk and that loving care.
Rest in peace #Vallyauncle ♥️
You were an awesome person I ever knew in my life...
Love you a lot & Miss you so much

October 15, 2018

We had the privilege of visiting Felix sar and Leelu a few times at their apartment in Concord. I was expecting to see a very sick person, some what depressed about his condition. Instead, I saw a very cheerful, loving and thankful person. He thanked my wife Alimma, a thousand times for cooking his favorite duck curry. He called her several times to let her know how much he appreciates our company and friendship. He had a great sense of humor even when he knew he was dying. Since his doctors told him to drink less water because of his failing kidneys, he decided to have undiluted scotch, without water.His faith and trust in God was so deep, and he left everything to his Lord, and with that faith came great peace of mind and a happy and joyful acceptance of death. I am amazed at the courage and faith of Felix sar in the face of death and suffering. May he be an inspiration to all of us.

October 15, 2018

It was truly my honor to have been able to share communion with Felix and Leelu in the last 6 months. I was moved every time I entered their home and could feel the love that surrounded us. Felix thanked me, thanked me! for bringing the body of our Lord Jesus. Yet I was the one who would forever be grateful to have been able to spend time talking, laughing, listening, learning in the presence of this extraordinary couple and exceptinally kind and gental man. I can’t think of another person that has left such a indelible mark on my heart and soul in such a short period of time. I will hold his love and carry it forward without hesitation or fear until it is my turn to go. Fare thee well Felix. You will be missed.

October 15, 2018

I was saddened to hear the news of dear Felix uncles passing. He was such a good friend to my daddy ,Dr TC Cherian and many good memories come from those days with aunty and uncle at our house or celebrating many happy occasions together . He was always the go-to MC for most events in the tri-State area of NY, NJ and CT, with his clear diction and baritone voice. He could speak well, sing, dance etc and enamored all who met him. He was always smiling and joking but always very dignified. He carried himself with an air of decency, grace , elegance and good humor. One thing I always remember about him was his great love and devotion to Aunty, Rose, Tom and Mathew. They were so loved by him and they in turn loved him dearly. I pray God grants them the peace in knowing they will be with him again and thank the Lord for the gift they were given to them as their husband and father. Rest in peace Uncle.

October 15, 2018

മൂന്നര ദശാബ്‌ദക്കാലത്തോളം, അമേരിക്കൻ മലയാള
കലാ-സാംസകാരിക വേദികളിൽ നിറഞ്ഞു നിന്ന, പകരം വെയ്ക്കാനില്ലാത്ത ഗംഭീര ശബ്ദത്തിന്റെ ഉടമ … സഹോദര സ്ഥാനത്തു, ജേഷ്ട്ട സ്ഥാനത്തു, സുഹൃത് സ്ഥാനത്തു ഞങ്ങൾ കണ്ടിരുന്ന ഫെലിക്സ് ചേട്ടന്റെ ആത്‌മാവിന് മുന്നിൽ പ്രണാമം.
"ഓമനേ നിന്റെ ജാലക വാതിലിൽ നിന്നും
മൂകനായവൻ പോയിപ്പോയതെന്തേ?" (ഫെലിക്സ് ചേട്ടന്റെ മാസ്റ്റർപീസ് ഗാനം.)

October 15, 2018

My fond memories of Felixsir:
I met Felixsir in 1966 when he was a professor and I was a student at Assumption college and SB college in Changanacherry, Kerala, India. He was admired by all for his vigorous, charismatic personality as well as his music, acting, public speaking and leadership skills. I was able to reconnect with him in recent years through many visits and frequent phone calls. Recently I had the privilege of hosting him and Leelu at my house. His conversations and attitude always inspired me. I will cherish the memories and miss him very much. May his soul Rest In Peace.

October 15, 2018

Your kindness, love and joy will live in our hearts forever Acha

https://youtu.be/8lagmz_QvRc

August 31, 2018

We saw a miracle in living this weekend in Boston.
We had a great time with Rajuchayan ( Prof. Felix Mathew Kallukulam) and Leelammachechi at Concord Boston.
Rajuchayan your will power and and determination amazed all of us.
You are a person not afraid of death unlike many we have seen.
Any one who comes in contact with you will never get bored with time as you are an amazing conversation maker.
The time we spent, the matters we discussed, the whiskey we sipped was revealing an inner lying truth of life that we live....
Life is a gift from God and you live it to the fullest.
When you said “ My Jesus comes to mine and my Leelu’s house, and that is the only reason you are alive when modern Medical Science said..... otherwise.
Rajuchayan your amazing personality will be in the hearts of many many who have come in contact with you.
We consider it a blessing to spent few hours with you and Leelamma Chachy last week end.
May God bless.

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Recent Tributes

October 8, 2022

October 9, 2021

What a wonderful man, he was kind, gregarious and filled with life. It was truly an honor to have known him

October 13, 2020

Rajuchayan will always be missed.

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Laiya Sharing at Acha's 4 Year Memorial Service

Acha sent us Baby Arya. Each day Amma brings Arya to Acha to pray, reflect and share.

Seasons Hospice Memorial Honoring Acha and all those that have passed recently in their care

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Celebrating with Acha through dance/song

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Thomas Sharing Acha's Eulogy 2022

October 14, 2022

Thomas sharing memories and moments that remind him of Acha.

Laiya's Eulogy 2022

October 14, 2022

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Laiya sharing sweet memories of her grandfather from Acha's 4 year memorial service.

A kind soul

October 16, 2020

Sir was a kind soul and a mentor for all. His kindness and care always motivates each one of us. I was blessed to know him. Always my prayers for his family. Sir will always be remembered and reside in our hearts..

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