Pala: A woman died while her husband's funeral rites were being conducted. Puthenpallikkunnu Vazhayil Kurian Joseph (73) and his wife Shirley Kurian (71), residents of Pala, were united even in death. Kurian Joseph died at a hospital around noon last Saturday following health complications.

On Monday at 11 a.m., while the funeral rites were being held at their home after relatives from abroad arrived, Shirley collapsed. She was immediately taken to hospital and given first aid, following which relatives returned to the church for the funeral. However, while Kurian's funeral was underway, hospital authorities informed the family that Shirley had died.

Kurian was one of Pala's early traders and the owner of a courier firm. Shirley was a member of the Pachakkavil family of Edathua. They are survived by their children, Angela Kurian (Anju), Anna Kurian and Aby Kurian. Their sons- and daughters-in-law are Leo Michael Parayundail (Mythiri), John Vincent Kandirikil (Thodupuzha) and Sona Mathew Kottarathil (Muttuchira).

Shirley's body was brought home on Tuesday morning. After prayers at the residence, she will be buried alongside her husband at the tomb at St George Lalam Puthen Church, Pala.