“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Geeta Kochettonnil, SCN:
Sister Geeta Kochettonnil, SCN, born on Oct. 1, 1951, in Kerala, India, was the firstborn of Kurien Mathew Kochettonnil and Mariakutty Mathew Parackal’s seven children. From her earliest days, Geeta’s life bore the mark of a quiet call to serve. Baptized Mary, she grew with a deep yearning in her heart — a yearning to be wholly given to God as a missionary.

In 1968, this desire led her to join the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, where her spirit found its home. She made her first vows on June 16, 1976, and professed her final vows on Dec. 27, 1982. For almost five decades, Sister Geeta faithfully answered God’s call through the ministry of education, journeying across India and Nepal to bring the light of learning into the lives of children.

She began her mission in the classroom, teaching at Nazareth Vidya Niketan, Chatra. It was there that the seeds of her vocation to educate took deep root. Her mission soon flourished across the country, serving at institutions such as Nazareth Academy in Gaya, St. Augustine’s School in Vasai, Creane Memorial in Gaya, St. Michael’s in Sale, and many others. Her ministry extended to the hills of Almorah, the villages of Bakhtiarpur, the slums of Mumbai, the far reaches of Dharan in Nepal, and to Trichy.

VIEW PHOTOS and VIDEO FROM SISTER GEETA’S SERVICE

In each place, Sister Geeta brought with her not only a keen mind for teaching but also a vibrant spirit. She had a gift for music, dance, and the arts, which she used to bring joy and celebration into the lives of her students. She prepared children for cultural programs with the same fervor and love she brought to her lessons.

Though teaching was her passion, Sister Geeta also responded with humility and obedience when asked to serve in roles beyond the classroom. Whether in Kakkavayal or in Delhi, she remained deeply committed, always carrying within her the soul of a teacher.

The final years of her life brought challenges. Ill health gradually confined her — first to home, then to her room in Chandapura. Yet even as her body weakened, her spirit remained anchored in God. In silence, in suffering, and in stillness, she bore witness to the quiet grace of surrender.

We gather now in gratitude — for a life lived with purpose, faith, and gentleness. We thank her family, especially her siblings and their families, for offering Sister Geeta to the mission of Christ. Your gift to us was a woman whose fidelity to God’s call was both humble and enduring.

Sister Geeta has now returned to the embrace of the One she loved and served so long. Her earthly pilgrimage has ended, but her spirit lives on — in the hearts of those she touched, in the songs she sang, and in the many lives she helped shape.

Rest now, dear Sister. You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith.

Until we meet again.