UAE: Rich tributes paid to Indian-origin woman community leader from Kerala who lived in Al Ain for 58 years

Al Ain: Residents have paid rich tributes to an Indian-origin woman community leader in the UAE who passed away in Al Ain on Saturday.

Valsa Benjamin Matthew, 79, who once helmed various women’s community groups and was wife of Dr George Matthew, after whom Abu Dhabi had named a street last year, died at a hospital following an illness, according to her family.

“She was married for 59 years and one month to Dr George when she breathed her last, surrounded by family and friends,” the family said.

Valsa was born in Aden, Yemen, in 1945. Her parents, KM Benjamin and Thankam John, hailed from the south Indian state of Kerala. Valsa did her schooling in Cochin (now Kochi) and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Teresa’s College. Valsa got married to Dr George in 1966 and came with him to the UAE, when it was the erstwhile Trucial States, in 1967.

She founded the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) in Al Ain and was a former head of Ladies International Circle (LIC). She was instrumental in promoting community activities through these organisations in Al Ain. She also created one of the first libraries of the LIC with her own huge collection of novels.

Bijily Anish, president of Indian Mahila Association and Smitha Rajesh, chairlady of ISC Women’s Forum, said Valsa was a pioneering female community leader in the UAE.

“She was proactively involved in the socio cultural activities of the Indian expatriate community in Al Ain through various associations. We will all miss her more than words can express.”

A winner of the Abu Dhabi Awards, Dr Geroge, affectionately called ‘Matyous,’ was the first governmental doctor in the city of Al Ain. He has contributed to the growth of modern medicine in the UAE and held several key positions, including Medical Director of Al Ain Region in 1972 and Health Authority Consultant in 2001. While he continued to be a champion in healthcare industry, community members said, Valsa stood by him and contributed to the society in her own ways.

Valsa was also remembered as a devoted wife and mother to the couple’s only daughter Maryam (Priya) and as a generous and pious member of their church, where she will be laid to rest on Monday, March 3..

“She was greatly loved by her family, members of the church and the community in Al Ain. Both Dr George and his wife were honoured by the government. Her passing is indeed a great loss to the community,” said Bency Tharakan, vice chairman of St. Dionysius Orthodox Church in Al Ain.

A memorial service to honour her life and offer prayers will be held from 12noon at the church on Monday.