Dr. Rukma Sunalini Jacob,
affectionately known as Nalini, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, April 23,
2024, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family at her home in North Haven,
Connecticut. A radiant soul, she graced this world for 91 years, leaving an imprint of her
love and faith in Jesus on everyone she met.
Born on October 30, 1932, in Anantapur, India, Nalini was the cherished fourth out of
eight children of Prema and Zakkam David. her beloved husband, Puli Jacob, was her
unwavering support for fifty-seven years. Their union was forged in the crucible of faith in
Jesus Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade in 1956 unknowingly saved at the same moment
until after they were married at Hebron Golconda Cross Roads Hyderabad, India in 1967.
This stood as a testament to their sacrificial devotion.
Nalini’s love knew no bounds, especially for her four children and ten cherished
grandchildren. Each day, she tenderly enfolded them in her prayers as she constantly
instilled Godly values in her children and grandchildren. Every day, Nalini would ask about each
one of her grandchildren and pray for them until her last days. She would shower them with
affection and prioritize every moment spent with them. Her grandchildren referred to her as
‘Mamama’ and they will sorely miss her.
Nalini loved to read her Bible and spend time in prayer. She adored music, dogs, gardening and
good food, especially sweets. She enjoyed nature through long walks and bird watching. Nalini
shared her love through her cooking and hospitality. If you knew Nalini, you would have enjoyed a
home cooked meal around her family table. She was the embodiment of generosity and kindness,
opening her home to those who would otherwise be alone for the holidays . Her home resonated
with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her culinary delights and so much love.
Using her passion for medicine, Nalini wielded her knowledge with grace and humility,
touching countless lives. After attending medical school in Madras, she briefly worked in Goa,
India, and then enrolled in the postgraduate program of obstetrics and gynecology in Christian
Medical College, Vellore, India. After her marriage, she completed a diploma in anesthesiology in
Osmania University. She attached a clinic to their family home in Malakpet, India, where she
treated patients in obstetrics and gynecology. After moving to the United States, she
completed her residency in Anesthesia at Yale Medical School.
Nalini spent most of her career as an assistant professor at the Yale Medical School in New Haven
CT and at Bradley Memorial Hospital in Southington, CT. Even when she was in the operating
rooms, Nalini would be serving others and sharing the good news of Christ with everyone. Her
benevolent spirit knew no borders, reaching across continents with Christian Medical
Association to care for the downtrodden in Ecuador, Haiti, and Liberia.
In her departure, Nalini leaves behind a legacy of love and service in all who knew herShe
exalted the Lord first in her life and as a result of this, she was blessed beyond measure. Though
she has left us behind here on Earth, her testimony will forever remain in the hearts of her
loved ones as she is now forever in the presence of the One she lived for.
Nalini is survived by her husband Puli Jacob of North Haven, CT, Isaac Jacob, wife
Sandhya, children Andrew, Timothy, Lydia, Phillip, Noah of Meriden, CT; Sarah Jawahar,
husband David, children Naomi, Abigail, Rebecca, and Darin of Dover, DE; David Jacob,
wife Anna of Orange, CT; and Hannah Jacob, son Justin of Trumbull, CT.
A viewing and service will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36
Washington Avenue, North Haven CT 06473. The viewing will take place from 9 am to 11 am and
the service will begin promptly at 11 am. Burial will be held at All Saints Cemetery, 700
Middletown Avenue, North Haven CT 06473, following the service.
For those who are unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available at
https://bit.ly/RukmaJacobFuneral
Yes, all the description of Akka is so true, she had much love and concern and always wanted to help, she was very caring and generous, even till about 3 or 4 years ago invited me to her home , I will surely miss her, but the hope of seeing her again with our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is such a comfort to me and to each of you in the family. My deepest sympathies to you uncle Jacob and all the children and grandchildren!
Our condolences to the whole family, may God comfort all family members.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this time.
Our thoughts are with the entire Jacobs family. It was our honor to get to know Rukma through the years at WCF. She left a great legacy with her family.
Our love and prayers for the entire family. Gods comfort and blessings to you all.
Indeed heaven has become far sweeter with the presence of our dear friend Rukma. We do comfort one another with the knowledge and assurance that we have in God’s Word..being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, so now our vision of Rukma is of her serenely standing next to her Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. We send our sincere and heartfelt sympathy, condolences and love to all of you, Brother Jacob, Isaac, Sarah. David. Hanna, along with all of your children. Memories are flooding as we remember the many years of friendship with your Mom and Dad. But we do not lament as those who have no hope. We rest in the precious promises we have, and hoping perhaps we might be able to see you all soon…..knowing one day we will all be together again in glory. May God carry you all through this sorrowful time in His loving arms. The Hofmanns
Always will remember her hospitality and great live for Christ, thereby reminded of Christ’s love for us. My condolences. Will the virtual viewing be recorded?
Uncle Jacob and family, please accept our condolences. We pray for peace and divine comfort for the entire family as they go through this loss. May God grant them peace.
Our prayers are with you all. May the peace of our loving Lord Jesus Christ reign in your hearts during this difficult time.
So many good memories with the whole family.
Spending Sundays in New Haven and enjoying her cooking around the family table. Even after moving to NY we all still managed to get together and stay in touch. Love to you all.
Very sorry for the loss Sarah our thoughts and prayers with you all during this time of grief
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman of God who loved her family, good food and like to help others.
Heartfelt condolences to the family! “The memory of the just is blessed…” Proverbs 10:7a
When I was a college student in Philadelphia, I sometimes picked up the Jacob family in my little Chevy Vega and drove them to a house church in Glassboro, New Jersey. I was just a young man back then and remember sometimes thinking it was a hassle to pack Mr. And Mrs. Jacob and their kids into a cramped car to drive them back and forth. I’ve regretted my attitude so much over the years. So much. Finally I have the opportunity here to say I’m sorry. I would gladly do the drive with them now. I remember Mrs. Jacob well; she was always gentle and kind. In looking back, I now see that she and Mr. Jacob were what Jesus might have been like on this earth: simple and kind, with eyes that understood the way of things, but understood them quietly and with grace. Please forgive me; and the LORD’s blessings on the Jacob family.
Uncle Jacob and family, my deepest condolences. Our prayers are with you all.May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ grant you peace.
Beulah @ Vijay
Uncle Jacob and family, my deepest condolences.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ grant peace to all of us in this difficult time.
I will always remember her warmth, hospitality, amazing cooking, and her excellent memory for scriptures, which she would always mention at just the right time. Much love to you Hannah, Justin, David, Anna,, Puli and all the family. May you find comfort in knowing she will have eternal peace with our Lord.
Our family (including my parents) ifirst met the Jacob’s at the Glassboro home fellowship when my brother Jireh was attending UPenn. We have fond memories of our occasionally worshiping and sharing Christ over 50 years! Bro and Sister Jacob’s unwavering and fervent faith in Christ will always be an encouragement and example to us. Your family is in our prayers. May we all love the Lord with fervent hearts! Enoch, Stella, Chloe and Caleb (from Hong Kong).
Our deep condolences to brother Jacob and children,0
Only Lord can fill the void. But we thank the Lord for the memories of love ❤️
We give thanks to God for the life of aunty. When I served as a pastor at the International Gospel Church of CT, I had the privilege to experience her hospitality and pray together.
May the Holy Spirit, Our Comforter, comfort the family during this difficult season.
We will be praying for you and your family Dave, what a witness your parents are!
We really miss Aunt Nalini’s physical presence for a season temporarily but we all who put our faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for the redemption of our souls eagerly wait to be in the lovely presence of our Lord where Aunt Nalini has gone ahead of us to welcome us when our time comes. Aunt Nalini and Uncle Jacob are a testament of God’s Love and Faithfulness. I used to enjoy talking to both of them on phone and we used to have very very long gospel conversations and Aunty always was passionate to please God and be obedient to His will whether it seems good or even bad to our physical senses which speaks volumes of her love for the Lord and also love towards His people. She was a blessed wife to Uncle Jacob, a loving mother to her four children and a very godly example and legacy that she had left to her children and ten grandchildren. May the God of all comforts comfort Uncle Jacob, Children and the grandchildren at this hour of grief and physical loss. Praying.
Bob and I send our deepest and sincere condolences to Mr Jacob, David and Anna and the entire family for their loss. Memories are a gift from God that death can never destroy. Prayers, love and blessings to the whole family.
What a news! What a tragedy! Heart breaking news. My family and I knew Sister and brother Jacob so well that we never missed their home church. Sister is compassionate and hosted us whenever Bro. Baktha Singh visited the US. With heart full of grace and compassion she served her family, friends, her patients and Godly people. I invited them to visit us in Texas but brother Jacob and sister expressed their inability to travel. Now this news broke our heart. Our condolences to Brother Jacob, her children Isaac, Sarah, David and Hannah and their ten children. I have a hope that sister is resting in peace in Jesus’s presence. God will wipe away every tear from her eyes, and this I believe. Sister Rukma Nalini is the name we’ll see in the Book of Life. Glory to God.
I am so very sorry, Hannah and David.
Sending you and your families the warm white light of gentle healing to embrace you all as you grieve and in time to cherish memories.❤️
May your Mother’s memory be a Blessing!❤️🌠
We have many great & wonderful memories of Mrs Jacob (I and my wife, Ratnam, respectfully addressed her), since I first arrived at Yale Med School as a Post-doc, in 1986. First Christmas in ‘86 followed by the watch-night assembly on the new year eve at their home, was the beginning of our long, social & spiritual growing up time in-faith as well as friendship, deep & ongoing personal association with every member of Bro & Mrs Jacob’s household. We used to gather in their home for Sunday morning worship service, Lord’s table and weekly Bible studies that continued for quite a few years. There were many wonderful occasions to meet and fellowship with other faithful believers, visitors and preachers from various parts of the world. Many times, we also visited fellowships in NY & NJ areas and were spiritually enriched. Needless to say, each of these occasions were filled with culinary delights, enriched with “spiritual food”, discussions, sharing experiences, joys & laughters!- such constant & generous hospitality at their home are among some of fondest and most cherished memories we have in all our lives !
Brother Jacob baptized me on July 7, 1987, by immersion in the waters of a North Haven pond, in the fantastic presence of about 50 church members, who sang a couple of hymns & songs to complete the joyous event – a beautiful experience forever etched in my memory !
We left the US and have been living in Vancouver, Canada, since 2003, but have always been phone calling & praying together throughout those many years, gone by !
I, Ratnam and both our sons, Varoon & Vibhor, visited them in July 2022, which was a very happy reunion for us all !
Our sons wanted to hear from Mrs & Bro Jacob, all the stories about their dad – Bro Jacob didn’t disappoint them ! 😊
We will forever miss her lovely, hospitable and kind-hearted presence in our midst on earth but also celebrate the future anticipation of meeting her in the presence of the Lord in heaven !
My dear sister in Christ, Sarah, I know now why you shine the light of Jesus wherever you go. Your mother was a great example to you, what an incredible woman! You and your family were very blessed to have had her in your lives. I wish I could have met her in person. I will continue to lift you all up in prayer during this very difficult time. May the Lord wrap you in His loving arms and give you the comfort and peace that can only come from Him. Sending hugs your way….
We will miss dear Sister Rukma a lot. She was so sweet, gentle, humble, loving, and quiet. I have had many of her homemade meals which is very memorable. May the Lord Himself comfort our dear Brother Jacob and strengthen his spirit, soul, and body! May the Lord also comfort each one of her family members in flesh and in spirit! We will see you in heaven!
In His Love,
Junshan Jonathan Li
Absent from the body but present with the Lord .
Blessed are those who die in the Lord Revelation 14:13
We are blessed to have Jacob Unkle and aunty in London to support us in the ministry. Their love and passion towards God and Gods people have impacted me . Aunty is a loving and kind person and has great burden for Perishing souls. Our prayers are with Unkle Jacob and their children.
Brother Vijay Elias
London
Zion Christian Fellowship
Me and my wife Syamala ..our heartfelt condolences to Sri Puli Jacob garu, maternal uncle of Syamala and all of their children for the irreplaceable loss of aunty..may the Almighty God shower the graceful blessings upon all of them and give the strength to overcome the grief and great loss.. prayers for you all and RIP aunty Dr.Nalini garu..lv…RR
The passing of sister Jacob is a great personal loss for my wife Shirley and myself. We have been friends of the Jacob family for several decades since my days at Yale as a graduate student in the early 80’s. I remember talking to sister Jacob for the first time in 1981 on the phone when I responded to a solicitation from her for Christian fellowship that I found on a campus bulletin board. During our stay in New Haven we met together frequently for prayer, fellowship, and communion on Sundays. Sister Jacob was a totally committed Christian whose life has been a living testimony of her faith as several of her friends have attested here. Brother and sister Jacob have been actively involved in witnessing Christ to others and bringing people to faith. Personally, we were touched by sister Jacob’s love, sincerity, generosity, and graciousness. As an example, the Jacobs donated to us the first car we ever owned to help us drive to their house for fellowship. In the absence of relatives in the area, the Jacobs became like a family to us during our stay in New Haven. To brother Jacob and children Isaac, Sarah, David, Hannah, and their families we sincerely express our condolences and want to leave with you this strengthening message from the Bible, “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8).
Sam and Shirley Chackalamannil
Hello, Puli. Please accept my deep condolences on the passing of your dear wife. My heart goes out to you, your family and to all that were blessed to know her. Asking our dear Lord to keep you in His loving arms, bringing you His comfort and peace.
Please accept my deep condolences on the loss of your dear Nalini. Asking our dear Lord to bring you His loving peace and comfort as He upholds you, your family and all that knew and loved her.
The only time I met here she radiated such a great welcome and love, speaking excitedly about her Lord Jesus Christ as though she had just become a Christian. Her kindness and welcoming spirit was so refreshing. Condolences to the Jacob family.
Back in 1981 when we were attending the Evangelical Baptist Church in North Haven Connecticut where we first were introduced to our need for salvation the Pastor there, Dwight Campbell asked me if I would like to be in usher at the Billy Graham crusade for a week in Yale New Haven auditorium. Each night of the crusade we took a shuttle bus from the church too the venue. On those rides we met a lovely Indian couple named Puli and Rukma Jacob. We could tell right away they had peace in Christ. After we met them a few times they invited us over to Bible study in their home. After a few months we began to have Sunday service in their home as well. Looking back now these blessed folks were very instrumental to our walk with the Lord and set us firmly on the path of Christian Life according to God’s word. Brother Jacob was a fine leader and he and his wife who worked as an anesthesiologist at Yale New Haven hospital in Connecticut would go on the college campus an evangelize youth according to the Bible. They devolved many contacts many friends and invited people to come to Bible studies and Sunday church in their home at times we had 15- 20 people. We met people from all over the world. We would share from God’s word and they of course being seasoned in his word let us on the right road to be able to do the work of an evangelist.They were truly spirit filled not in a goofy way but spirit-filled to share boldly and humbly their faith with people wandering in the darkness and also encouraging like-minded Born again believers like Dianne myself to serve in God’s Kingdom. Dianne 7and I will be forever grateful for their influence in our lives just as God’s word says that planted word has never left us. Some of our experiences have never left us that we had with them. We met believers from India, Korea, China, Scotland the Netherlands etc. We also had fellowship with like-minded group in the heart of New York City in Queens an inner city Church. Sister Jacob was a fine cook of Indian traditional food we and our children were able to eat frequently expertly prepared Indian food which to this day we still love and are spoiled because we had the real stuff cooked with love. I remember the fun and laughter that brother and sister Jacob brought in their home they had a delightful magnifying and magnetizing spirit about them that could only come from a steady walk with Jesus Christ. Their children were raised with love and proper training always respectful and kind. Sarah Isaac David and Hannah influenced myself, my wife and my kids even to this day. We had a couple of significant events that we attended together one was a holy convocation in Syracuse New York where we participated in a procession of believers to the university auditorium and the University Olympic pool where we saw 55 believers baptized and giving testimony of being saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ each given an opportunity to testify and each given a promise verse from God’s Word. Also brother Jacob asked me if I would find a place in North Haven Connecticut where we lived to baptize some people who made a profession and were saved. By the grace of God who made me bold, I was able to secure a permit to have a baptism at the local State Park I’ll never forget how this transpired. We had it on a Sunday afternoon people were swimming in the river there, there was a procession to the river with singing and a baptism of approximately 12 people. This attracted many onlookers and inquisitive people wondering what was going on as this was in no way a common event in Connecticut. Then we enjoyed wonderful international food and fellowship in the park.
We are eternally grateful to our Brother and Sister Jacob for their wonderful testimony of peace, courage, grace and simple obedience to the Word of God. Rukma will be greatly missed by Christian friends like us as well as by her dear family. We express our compassion for all of you, and pray for you the comfort from above
as only God himself can give.
Much Love in Christ,
Kevin and Dianne Reardon
Dr.Nalini is my gynecologist. She delivered my daughter Suniti at CMC Hospital Vellore.S.india.She is a kind and loving person.May her soul RIP.
My condolences to the family
We are very thankful for Rukma. She was always so close to our Lord. We’re sure she is having a wonderful time with Him now.
We miss her and send our love to Puli and all her family. May Jesus comfort your hearts while we wait to see her again.
Walter, Betty, and Steve
Puli and family,
I have tried over and over to access the viewing and failed. I left a comment, but it does not appear.
Sorry. We miss Rukma, thank God for her, thank God for you, and pray our Lord’s comfort to each of you
while we wait to see her again.
Love to you all,
Walter, Betty, and Steve
Jacob Tataiah and Family,
Our deepest condolences to your family. Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Sowmya, eldest granddaughter of Puli Siromanie.
Dear Brother Dr. Jacob,
Rosy and I are really thankful to the Lord that He gave us many times of getting together to feast on His Word especially in Harvey Cedars Columbus Day Weekend Christian Conferences. We do cherish the memories of our fellowshipping and partake of your and Sister’s insights. Our Dear Sister is missed but she is with our Blessed Lord and Saviour.
He is Risen indeed and she had that assurance of our Dear Lord’s promises.
May the Lord Himself comfort you and be with you in these times of your life, as we all await for the redemption of our bodies.
Joel and Rosy Christian
Formerly we were in Brooklyn NY, now in Sugar Land, Texas in Houston Area.
So sorry we couldn’t access the live service on the link provided, the YouTube link says ‘the video is private’.. perhaps a password was required, but we are not sure of !
We would appreciate if viewing a recording of the event is accessible !
Thank you