Mary Ann "Valsa" Akkara

mary ann akkara
Mary Ann Akkara, affectionately known as Valsa, passed away at age 74 years old, on June 25th in Falls Church, Virginia. She was surrounded by music and her loved ones. She is predeceased by her mother and father, Ann and Cyriac Matthew Maliackal as well as her two brothers, Siby and Cyriac Matthew. She is survived by her steadfast beloved husband of 53 years, Joseph Akkara, her loving children, Viju Akkara and Jeena (Sean) Madden, along with her four cherished grandchildren, Ben, Grace, Jake and Rosie. Additionally, she is survived by her three beloved sisters and brother, Tessy Leyon, Elsy Madapally, Annu (Babu) Pittapally, and Matthew Maliackal, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who all lovingly thought of her as their kind and generous anchor.

Valsa attended both St Theresa's College, Emakulam, and St Thomas College, Palai, in India, receiving her BS in Biology and MA in literature. In her youth, she performed classical Indian dance, Bharathanatyam, was involved in public speaking, and never tired of proofreading her father's law journals.

She was renowned for her love for growing green things, including nurturing a grocery store cactus into a 10-foot monument and planting marigolds every summer in homage to her father.

An Indian citizen, she avidly followed the status of current US politics, always defending the intelligent and thoughtful leaders who most helped the disenfranchised. A prolific reader of biographies, these leaders as well as persons with hardships like

cancer; were inspiring to her.

For many years, she and Joe vacationed with their family on Cape Cod during the summer. She would walk for hours on the beach every day, following the patterns of the tide, finding peace in the waves.

Incredibly gracious, she had kind words and connected with all she met. Even in her last days, despite shortness of breath, she would compliment and thank every nurse and staff member. She was a constant source of advice and positivity to her little sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Her life will be celebrated at St. Phillips, Falls Church, VA, on July 13th at 11 am. Flowers may be sent to St Phillips for her service or donations may be made to the food pantry at St Phillips via the following link: https://www.stphilipsparish.com/Akkara

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