Dr. Elizabeth Johnnie, 75, of Pearland, TX, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, with her husband and son by her side.

Born on June 25, 1949, in Chempu, Kerala, India, to Varghese and Mariakutty Kandathil, she is survived by her steadfast husband and committed caregiver, Johnnie Nedungattu; her beloved son, Joseph Johnnie (Jennifer); her cherished grandchildren, Jude and Aurora; her brother, Tom; and her sister, Susan (George).

Elizabeth’s life was defined by her love, humility, and resilience. As a young woman, she left India, embracing the unknown to teach chemistry, biology, and physical sciences in Kenya and Zambia. With that same determination, she later immigrated to the United States, where she continued teaching at the high school level in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Midway through her career, recognizing that students’ success was often shaped more by their home environments and support systems than by individual abilities, she pursued a Ph.D. in Education at Marquette University while transitioning into guidance counseling, where she mentored students and helped them pursue higher education and professional opportunities.

Elizabeth retired in the early 2000s to a tranquil setting in rural Montgomery, Texas, before relocating to Pearland in 2022 to be closer to family and medical care.

Beyond her career, Elizabeth was deeply devoted to her family and Catholic faith. In her final years, she faced dementia and many health challenges with the same resilience that carried her across continents, the same humility that embraced lifelong learning, and the same love that was reflected back in her family’s care for her.

Visitation with the family will begin at 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Joseph Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott Street, Houston, Texas.

A Funeral Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam Street, Houston, Texas, with a reception to immediately follow the Mass at Brennan's of Houston, 3300 Smith Street, Houston, Texas.