Dr. Manuel Maria-Soosai “Dr. Soosai”
Dr. Manuel Soosai passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on October 22, 1942, in Royappanpatty, Tamal Nadu, India. He was the eldest of 11 children and a devoted father, grandfather, husband and brother.
Dr. Soosai excelled academically and graduated from Madauri Medical College in 1967. He worked at St. Joseph’s hospital in Dindugal India for 3 years.
Drs. Soosai and Mary Manuel were married on June 5, 1970, and one year later moved halfway around the world to New York City, where he completed a surgical internship at Coney Island hospital in Brooklyn, NY. During this time, they welcomed a son, Tony Manuel, on December 13, 1971.
He then started a residency in urology at Mount Sinai in Manhattan and completed it at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia.
After so many years in the cold, Dr. Soosai wanted to relocate his family to a warmer coastal climate and in 1978 they moved to Orange, Texas for 10 months before ultimately relocating to Beaumont, Texas, where Dr. Soosai and Dr. Manuel welcomed their second son, Christopher Manuel, on November 19, 1980.
Dr. Soosai practiced urology in Beaumont for over 30 years. Soon after moving to Beaumont, he took up a new hobby, fishing the Texas Gulf Coast. He enjoyed traveling with his family, visiting 6 of the 7 continents and shared the love of travel with his 2 sons. His greatest passion was following and investing in the stock market and many friends routinely seeked his advice and even called him Soosai.com. He was a dedicated member of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church for over 30 years.
Dr. Soosai suffered a catastrophic fall in July of 2013 which caused a severe spinal cord injury and led to his immediate retirement. He had numerous surgeries and hospital stays during the last 9 years but always tried to make the best of it. He demonstrated incredible intestinal fortitude by walking down the aisle unassisted for the wedding of his son, Chris, in 2015.
Dr. Soosai lived the American Dream. He grew up in poverty and when he arrived in the US, he had 2 suitcases and $100. He had immense success, was incredibly generous and had a strong desire to help others including his siblings and their families.
Dr. Soosai was preceded in death by his parents and 4 of his siblings. He is survived by his wife of over 52 years, Dr. Mary Manuel of Beaumont; son, Dr. Tony Manuel (wife Tish), son Chris Manuel (wife Merritt), and 4 grandchildren (Nicholas, Olivia, Hallie and Micah), all of Austin.
The family would like to thank Dr. Vijay Kusnoor for his friendship and help over the years. We would also like to thank Dr. Raja Chennupati, Dr. Kandaswamy Jayaraj, Dr. Denton Harris, Dr. John Henderson, Dr. Erwin Lo, Dr. Hari Ponnuru, Dr. Kandasami Senthilkumar and Dr. Rodolfo Sotolongo for all of their help, friendship and care. Thank you to the Indian Community of Southeast Texas and the Community of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church for their support. Dr. Soosai also had many caregivers over the years who helped him and we cannot thank them enough.
A gathering of Dr. Soosai’s family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a Rosary recited at 10:30 a.m., and his Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 19, 2023, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. After the funeral mass please join the family in the Parish Hall for lunch. A committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Vijay Kusnoor, Dr. Hari Ponnuru, Maetin Temcharoen, Stewart Jackson, Joel Gregory and Kyle Sanders.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Heart Association P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692 (donate online) or Some Other Place, P.O. Box 0843, Beaumont, Texas 77704. (donate online)
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church
- 6825, Gladys Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- January 19, 2023
- 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Rosary
St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church
- 6825, Gladys Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- January 19, 2023
- 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Funeral Mass
St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church
- 6825, Gladys Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- January 19, 2023
- 11:00 am
Committal
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
- January 19, 2023
I wish to express my deep condolences. He was a wonderful man who made the world a better place. I know you are proud of him.
Dr. Mary—
I was so sorry to learn of your dear husbands death. Please be assured of my prayers for the peaceful response of his soul and for your comfort and consolation during this sad time. I am confident your deep faith will sustain you.
Much love—
Faye
Dr. Manuel, I’m sorry for your loss. You saved my child’s life over 30 years ago and I will never forget you. You were an excellent doctor who saw your patients on time to my amazement because most doctors are never on time and seem not to care that they can be over a hour late. Dr. Manuel, you told me that your husband, Dr. Soosai, told you that your patients time is important so it was important for you to see your patients on time which you did. It has been over thirty years ago but you and your husband will live in our hearts forever. Thanks Dr. Manuel and Dr. Soosai for bringing excellent healthcare to Beaumont, Texas!
God bless the family!
Dr Mary Manuel, Kris and Tony, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Dr Soosai. We were good friends for the time that God Almighty wanted and I carry that memories with me. I valued his friendship. May his soul rest in peace and God give you the strength to bear this loss peace on earth. Hs Halaswamy,md
Doctor Manuel , You and Your Family are in my Prayers during this difficult time. Sincerely Mike McAleer
Dr. Manuel: So sorry to hear about Dr. Soosai’s passing. He actually treated me for a problem I had about 38 years ago. You do not know me formally, but I have sat behind you and Dr. Soosai many, many times at Mass at St.Jude. You would know me if you see me. I will keep you and all your family in my prayers. Anthony Fasulo
Dear Akka, Tony, Chris
Very sorry to hear the loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May uncle’s soul rest in peace!
Kennedy and family
Dear Aunty, Tony, Chris – So sorry to hear of Uncle’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you peace and comfort during this.
– Priya
Dr.Mary Manuel
Sorry for your loss
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.We miss him.
Uma&Sam Sukhavasi
Dr. Mary Soosai &Families
I have my prayers for you always in your help
And from suprême God’s always be with you for peace and happiness and love from him.
May God protect and provide you all your comfort in memories of loveful Dr.Manual.
Dr. Mary Manuel and family,
Sorry for your loss. Dr.Soosai has done tremendous service to the community, both professionally and socially. We will pray for the departed soul and the family members as they cope with the situation. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Dr. Soosai & Dr Mary have been long time friends & caregivers in the community , church & Beaumont in general for years . Practically icons and everybody’s favorite . Dr. Soosai will be greatly missed by us. His smiling ways & sense of humor will always ring in our years . May his great soul RIP ????
Dear Dr. Mary Manuel,
Nora and I and our daughters will pray for your husband to enter into his reward with our Lord, and also for you and your family to experience God’s comfort. Sending you our Christian sympathy and love. Dan and Nora Ford
Dear Dr Manuel
We are very sorry for physical loss of Dr Soosai but his smiley face is always going to be in our hearts We are praying for Noble Soul and family Accept our
Condolences We are here for you whenever you need us Love you
Dr. Mary Manuel and Family, In His arms there is strength to hold you, grace to sustain you and love t carry you through. May the peace of God surround you during this time of sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. Mary Soosai and Family:
We are very sorry to hear the sad news about Dr. Manuel passing away. Please accept our condolences. He was a familiar face ever since we moved to this area, and did a lot for our community, and this area in General. May his soul rest in Peace.
Love and Prayers
I am deeply sorry to hear of Dr. Soosai’s passing. He and Dr. Mary have been a part of my family’s lives for many years. We first met Dr. Mary when my oldest, now 36 was just 3 years old. Dr. Mary took care of all 3 of my daughters and 4 of my grandchildren before her retirement. Dr. Soosai also took care of my oldest daughter. There will never be a more loving and caring pair of doctors anywhere. I pray for peace and understanding during this time of loss for Dr. Mary and her family. Fondly with love,
Valerie Sisk
Dr. Mary – I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, I know your faith will carry you through. Prayers for you and your family at this difficult time.
Dr Manuel and Dr Mary are wonderful people. Their kindness and love to others are well known and appreciated by many. He lived a happy life realizing the American dream of rags to riches but was always humane and loving. Till the end he kept up his high spirits and smiled with courage. The kids are nice and loving and our condolences to all of them.
Drs Saroja and Ilangovan
Dr.Manuel, Tony and Chris,
Be comforted knowing Dr. Soosai now rests with God in his kingdom. Our prayers are with you and your family.
We offer our Deepest condolences and prayers during this difficult time to Dr. Manuel and family. I remember the first day I met Dr Soosai when I was a resident rotating at Radiology when he came looking for Dr Mccormick the Radiologist. Dr Manuel is like a sister to Ponna and me. Dr Soosai always used to ask about our children while passing by in the hospital, we remember that.
We believe we meet him one day when CHRIST comes again for second time in clouds of Glory. Until then we wait prayerfully.
Suresh and Ponna
Mary and family we so sorry for your loss . Please accept our heart felt condolences. Our prayers have been with you and we will always pray for soul and family for eternal peace. God gives you strength to go through this loss.
You will never be forgotten Dr Soosai! He and Dr Manuel had a positive impact on me for the 7 years I worked with them. I am thankful for their advice to me throughout my younger years. I contribute a lot of my work ethic to them ❤️
Dear Dr. Mary, we are so very sorry to hear about Dr. Soosai. He was an amazing man and you both were such good friends to Mama & Daddy. I would love to see you but I had a total knee replacement 1 week ago and not traveling now. Prayers for you and your family for comfort and peace. Love Gina P. Sicking.
Dr. Mary Manuel, we are deeply saddened and are sorry for your loss and the loss to the community at large. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We pray that Dr. Soosai attain eternal peace.
Kala and Ravi Kaggal
We have lost a great friend. God bless his noble soul and grant eternal peace. Mary please accept our deep sympathy for you and family.
We are overwhelmed by all the people that Dr. Soosai treated @ helped in his long career. His memory will live on and we pray that God will comfort all with peace! Sending love & hugs!
♥️ Myron & Karen
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Soosai’s passing. I had the privilege of scrubbing with him in surgery at St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was always pleasant to work with and very friendly. My thoughts and prayers for his family.
. Dr. Manuel,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Dr. Soosai will be missed by so many. May his soul rest in peace
Umed & Munni Dugar
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will keep Dr. Manuel and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
We’re sorry for your lost.
RIP Dr. Sossai.Our prayers are with you Mary and your childrens.
Dr. Mary and family, we have been through a lot with our husband’s falls! May he Rip now! You were a wonderful caretaker and we know he is not suffering! Two wonder doctor’s and Gods people!
Dr. Manuel,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Dr. Soosai fought the good fight and he will be dearly missed by so many. Peace and prayers to you all.
Joan and Burnell
Dr Mary Manuel and family, we are very sorry for your loss , we will miss him, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Dr. Manuel I am so very sorry for your loss. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I cherish all the care you gave to my three girls over the years. All the care you and your husband gave to so many throughout your years as doctors is cherished always. God Bless always.
Love and prayers,
Leigh Jordan