The British-Malayali community is deeply saddened by the passing of Rini Pius (44), beloved wife of Pius Kunnassery, a respected UK-based community and business entrepreneur and Director of the British South India Council of Commerce (BSICC). Rini passed away in Kerala following a courageous battle with illness, leaving behind a grieving family and a wide circle of friends whose lives she touched with her warmth, kindness and remarkable optimism.
Born in Germany, Rini spent her formative years in Kerala. She married Pius Kunnachery in 2004, moved to the United Kingdom in 2006, and the family eventually settled in Basingstoke, where she became an active and much-loved member of the local community.
Rini was academically accomplished, earning a Master’s degree in International Communications from the University of Winchester. She combined her education with a deep commitment to family and community life.
She was the cherished daughter of Abraham Chacko (Rajan Karukayil) and Valsamma Chacko, who reside in Germany, and the loving sister of Renju Karukayil. Her husband, Pius, is the nephew of the late Mar Kuryakose Kunnacherry, the former Archbishop of the Kottayam Archdiocese.
Rini is survived by her devoted husband Pius and their three beloved children, who were the centre of her life: Maria, a fourth-year Law student at Aston University; Achu, a Social Work student at the University of the West of England, Bristol; and Sana, a student at St Bede’s Catholic School, Bristol.
Sharing the heartbreaking news, Pius paid a moving tribute to his wife:
“Yesterday, our beloved Rini left us far too soon, and our hearts are broken. She was more than my wife. She was my closest friend, my comfort, my guide, my strength, and the life of our family. In her, I found love, patience, courage and a kindness so deep it touched everyone around her. To me and our children, she was everything.”
He recalled how, despite her illness, Rini never allowed cancer to define her life.
“Until last October, we were rarely apart. Even through her cancer treatment, she carried our home with her.”
Rini was known for her cheerful personality, generous heart and unwavering willingness to help others. She played an active role in the Basingstoke Malayalee Cultural Association and was a constant source of support in coordinating events organised by the British South India Council of Commerce. Friends remember her as a bubbly, positive person who brought warmth and encouragement wherever she went. Even during the most difficult stages of her cancer treatment, she remained hopeful, courageous and determined to embrace life.
In a deeply personal farewell, Pius wrote:
Forever My Dream Girl
My kisses will never end, my love will never fade.
You are my dream girl, my heart’s delight, in every memory we’ve made.
Forever you’ll be in my heart, a love that time can’t erase.
Though life may change and seasons pass, you’ll always be my dream girl’s grace.
Celebration of Life
In keeping with one of Rini’s wishes, family and friends are kindly requested to wear bright colours as they gather to celebrate her life.
Wake: Friday, 24 July, from 5.00 pm, at Karukayil House, Kollad, Kottayam.
Funeral: Saturday, beginning at 9.00 am at the family home, followed by the funeral service at 11.00 am at St Andrew’s Malankara Catholic Church, Kollad, Kottayam.
A live streaming link for the funeral service will be shared by the family shortly.
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