Jovita, the second daughter of Jean Antony Thomas and Emma Marie, was born on April 18th, 1980, in Madras, India. She grew up in Pondicherry and graduated from St. Joseph of Cluny High School in 1997. She then pursued her bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Pondicherry, graduating in June 2000. She dabbled with music during this time, particularly Piano and she took up Trinity College exams and was a regular Pianist at our Parish in Sacred Heart Church Pondicherry, India. Her passion for learning led her to a master's degree in computer science from the same university in 2002.

With a dream to make a life in America, Jovita worked diligently to secure admission to the University of Arlington in Texas in 2003. She graduated with a Master of Science in Computer Science in August 2005, a significant milestone in realizing that dream.

Jovita began her career at JMR Technologies in Arlington, Texas. She would spend foundational years at C. Pitman Baker and Associates in Irving, Texas and in Borland Software Corporation before landing at Dell Inc, where she devoted the last 15 years of her career. Her dedication and work ethic earned her recognition as a Gold Star employee. She was a person who took her work seriously, always willing to lend a helping hand, and was loved by her colleagues.

June 4th 2011 saw the beginning of the marital journey between Jovita and Dr. Nirmal Kumar Antonio. Due to work, she lived in Austin and he in St. Louis. They built the foundation of a loving relationship long distance, that grew stronger in 2014 when they decided to establish home together in the Greater Houston Area. Two became three in Nov 2016 when they were blessed with their son Ethan. They were also a part of the larger family at St. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, Friends of Jesus Catholic Church.

Jovita's life in America was a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures, and she delighted in exploring the eclectic culinary scene, savoring flavors from around the world. With an open heart and mind, she welcomed new friendships and experiences with the people of her adopted land, cheerfully building a fulfilling life in her adopted city. Celebrating Indian festivals with friends was another highlight, as she immersed herself in the colorful traditions of Diwali and Navaratri. Her appreciation for elegance and refinement was evident in her unique sense of style, which reflected her keen eye for aesthetics and an appreciation of the finer things in life.

Jovita was always a person filled with joy, life, and love and her friends and family affectionately called her Jovima, Tante, Mighty Joe, and Joey. Her son Ethan was the center of her universe, and she tailored her life to revolve around him. She remained steadfast in her Catholic faith, blending traditions new and old. She had a deep devotion to St. Mary. Jovita believed in the Lord and often shared her sorrows with Him in prayer, rather than burden those around her. She held on to her faith until the end, accepting God's will with a heavy heart, but ultimately at peace in His great plan.

She leaves behind her loving husband Nirmal, son Ethan Antonio, father-in-law Kumaradas, Father Jean Antony, sister Margaret Jean, brother-in-law Christopher Satish, niece Gabrielle Satish, sister-in-law Catherine Nithya, brother-in-law Joseph Gnanaraj niece Rebecca Joseph, nephew Ryan Joseph, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and other near and dear ones. We are poorer at her untimely loss, yet enriched for having known her, and the memories she leaves us with.

Shalom.

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