Lifetime together, one last kiss: Wife dies at husband’s funeral

PALA: A 71-year-old woman collapsed and died while giving her husband a final kiss during his funeral rites in Pala on Monday. Shirley Kurian, wife of Kurian Joseph (73), collapsed at their house in Puthenpallikkunnu while bidding farewell to her husband shortly before his body was taken to the church.

Kurian Joseph died on Saturday. Funeral rites were being held at his residence on Monday morning when Shirley collapsed while giving him a final kiss. She was rushed to a hospital, but doctors confirmed her death.

Kurian Joseph was a businessman and a member of the Kerala Congress steering committee. He was also a member of the advisory committee of the Pala Krishi Bhavan. Shirley was a member of the Edathua Pachakkavil family.

The couple is survived by their children, Angela Kurian, Anna Kurian and Abi Kurian. The funeral rites of Kurian Joseph and Shirley will be held jointly at the cemetery of St George Lalam Puthenpally in Pala.