Grace Abraham Kothari, M.D.
February 23, 1935 – February 28, 2024
Dr. Grace Abraham Kothari was born on February 23, 1935, in Mundakayam, Kerala, India. She passed away peacefully on February 28, 2024, at her home in North Brunswick, NJ.
Gracey (her family name) was one of nine (6 girls, 3 boys) children to parents M.C. and Annamma Abraham. She grew up on an agricultural family farm in Thiruvella, Kerala, where they grew a variety of vegetables, bananas, coconuts, jackfruit, mangoes, rubber trees and tamarind.
Gracey was raised in the Ebenezer Mar Thama Church which was started in Kerala by Saint Thomas, the apostle. As a young girl, she was a devoted Sunday school student. Gracey often reflected on her childhood and the central role God played in her family. She shared stories of how they prayed, read the Bible, and sang hymns every morning before school.
In 1961, Gracey went to Bangalore Medical College in Bangalore, India where she met her husband, Dr. Nayan K. Kothari. Whie pursuing her medical degree, she was recognized as the #1 “All Arounder in Sports” because of her competitive wins spanning track, swimming, and basketball.
Drs. Kothari emigrated to the United States for their medical residencies at Saint Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Because there were two Dr. Kothari’s at the hospital, Dr. Grace was coined. Dr. Grace completed her Obstetrics-Gynecology residency in 1966 at Saint Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Drs. Kothari and their 2 infant children moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for Dr. Kothari to complete his graduate work. During this time, Dr. Grace remained home to take care of the children and become immersed in the culture.
She and Dr. Kothari returned to Palanpur, Gujarat, India. Dr. Grace became the Chief Medical Officer at the Female Hospital where she cared and treated the majority of the town’s women and children in addition to running the facility until 1971.
They came back to New Brunswick, NJ and Dr. Grace entered an Internal Medicine residency program and then, became the first Pulmonary Fellow at Rutgers University from 1974-1975. Her decision to change disciplines was so that she could have more time with her young children.
Dr. Grace started her private practice in 1975 in New Brunswick and was a member of Middlesex Hospital (now RWJ Hospital) and St. Peter’s Hospital (now Saint Peter’s University Hospital). She remained in practice until 2020 and retired at the age of 85. She cared for patients spanning generations and was known for taking time with each patient, for being an “ear” and offering her gentle directness and guidance.
In addition to her medical practice, she was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. Beginning in 1974, she volunteered and served in numerous roles. She was a member of the Consistory completing her third term in 2023. Dr. Grace was one of the “original” counters and part of the original team that organized and served meals at Elijah’s Promise in New Brunswick, NJ. For 22 years, 100 people were fed by the team, the 1st Sunday of every month.
Dr. Grace also volunteered at the Church’s Vacation Bible Camp where she introduced and nurtured her grandchildren’s faith journey. Dr. Grace and her grandchildren were part of the summer camp for 15 years.
Her time at St. Paul’s saw four (4) ministers with whom she developed a strong relationship in deepening her personal faith, growing the church, and rejoicing in the abundance of blessings.
Dr. Grace had many passions. Renowned for her Indian cooking, Dr. Grace hosted countless friends and family. Dr. Grace was deeply immersed in politics and welcomed sparring with the opposite side. She was an avid reader and, gardener, and fiercely enjoyed watching competitive sports becoming a Blue Devil, Wolverine and Thoroughbred fan. She was a member of a weekly yoga class for over 25 years and walked 3 miles every day.
Foremost, Dr. Grace was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her life centered around faith and love for all. Dr. Grace touched countless lives and her legacy is inspiring and everlasting.
Dr. Grace is survived by her husband, Nayan, her daughter Anita, her son Anil “Bob” and daughter in-law, Amy, grandchildren Noah, Caroline, Alli, Jacob and BK and sisters Dr. Lizzy Zachariah and Dr. Ruby Matthew, sister in-law Usha Abraham along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews around the globe.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Elijah’s Promise or Saint Peter’s University Hospital.