Family of couple lost in duplex fire mourns

With tired, puffy eyes and heavy hearts, the family of an elderly Des Plaines-area couple who perished in a fire earlier this week came together in solemn reverence at a private prayer service Wednesday.

The bodies of the former Rev. P.Y. Philipose and his wife, Aleykutty, were found Monday morning on the first floor of the couple's duplex in unincorporated Maine Township.

The couple's daughter-in-law, Kezia Philips, who lived there with her husband, narrowly escaped the fire herself and tried to save her in-laws who were trapped inside.

"She is lucky to be alive," said the Philiposes' daughter Elizabeth George of Waukegan, glancing at Philips standing quietly in a corner of the International Pentecostal Church of God Hebron Gospel Center in Des Plaines.

Family members had no words to describe their despair over the couple's loss.

"I'm going to miss them," said the Philiposes' eldest daughter Sheeba Abraham, 39, of Canada. "They both were my best friends."

The couple, originally from Kerala, India, came to the United States about 15 years ago with two of their four children and lived in their home near Des Plaines since 1997.

P.Y. Philipose, 69, served 25 years as chief petty officer in the Indian navy. He was called to his Christian mission only later on in life, George said.

Philipose was a pastor at Elim Church in Gurnee for 10 years. He retired about four years ago after a disabling stroke.

Abraham described her father as a God-fearing man, a devoted father and husband.

"My dad loved to read the Bible, listen to Christian songs," she said.

George said their 65-year-old mother was the quintessential homemaker with unwavering love for her children.

Authorities are still investigating what caused the fire. Though the Cook County medical examiner's office conducted autopsies Tuesday, authorities have not yet released a cause of death.

They are survived by three daughters, Sheeba Abraham of Canada, Sheema Philips of Doha, Qatar, Elizabeth George of Waukegan, a son, Shawn Philips of Maine Township, six grandchildren, and several brothers and sisters.

A wake will be held from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Ridgewood Memorial Park, 9900 N. Milwaukee Ave., Des Plaines. A funeral service is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday at the park. All services will be performed in the couple's native language, Malayalam.