In memoriam: Onze voorzitter Jac Braat

Met veel verdriet hebben wij kennisgenomen van het overlijden van onze voorzitter.

Op 1 september is onze voorzitter, Jac Braat, onverwacht overleden.

Jac was sinds 2010 als bestuurslid verbonden aan Stichting Thomas Bouwprojecten en sinds 2017 onze voorzitter.

Jac heeft ontzettend veel voor onze Stichting betekend. Met zijn warme persoonlijkheid, zijn betrokkenheid en zijn enorme inzet was hij een belangrijke kracht binnen onze organisatie. Hij zette zich met hart en ziel in voor onze doelstellingen, voor de zusters van de congregatie FSJ en voor de kinderen en scholen in India die hem zo na aan het hart lagen.

Wij zijn dankbaar voor alles wat Jac voor Stichting Thomas Bouwprojecten heeft gedaan.
Hij was van grote betekenis voor ons en niet alleen wij, maar zeker ook de zusters en kinderen in India zullen hem erg missen.

Onze gedachten gaan uit naar zijn familie en naasten. Wij wensen hen veel sterkte en kracht toe in deze moeilijke tijd.

Bestuur en projectleiders Stichting Thomas Bouwprojecten

Ook de zusters van FSJ zijn diep geraakt door het overlijden van Jac:

A Tearful Tribute to Mr. Jac Braat

Chairman, Thomas Building Foundation
From the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, Chennai, India
7 September 2026

Dear Friends,

With profound sorrow and deep grief, we, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, received the sad news of the sudden and unexpected demise of our beloved Mr. Jac Braat, Chairman of the Thomas Building Foundation.

It has come as a great shock to every member of our Congregation, as Jac was very friendly, cordial, humble, and simple in his dealings with all of us during his visits to India.

Only two days before his death, while speaking with us, he mentioned his intention of visiting us again, if God willed. But God’s will was otherwise, and He called Jac to his eternal reward.

We remember with deep gratitude that when Jac served as Treasurer of the Foundation from 2010 to 2017, he was generous, disciplined, dedicated, and faithful in carrying out his responsibilities. He was always prompt in sending funds for our projects, showing complete trust and confidence in us, without unnecessary delay or mistrust.
Jac’s contribution to our Congregation has been remarkable, generous, and self-giving. In 2014, when we planned to start a degree college at Singampunari, Sr. Rita Michael,

the then Superior General, approached the Thomas Building Foundation seeking financial assistance for the construction of the college building. To our great joy and surprise, Jac came forward generously to support the project with the funds required to construct the ground, first, and second floors, with four classrooms on each floor and a toilet block on every floor. This building block was named the Erwin Block, in loving memory of his late son, Erwin.

Later, in 2020, when additional classrooms were required at Pannaikadu, Jac once again came forward generously to contribute towards the construction of the much-needed classrooms.

Again, in 2023, a devastating flood at Srivaikundam destroyed the school building, the compound wall, and the entire school campus. At that difficult time, Jac came forward with his own personal contribution to help restore the school building and the campus.

We remain ever grateful to Jac and his family for all that he has done for our Congregation and for the many lives touched through his generosity. Our prayers will always remain with him.

Jac continued to be fully involved in the work of the Foundation even after the painful loss of his beloved wife, Else—a loss that deeply devastated his own life. Despite his personal sorrow, he continued to serve others with dedication and generosity.
We remember him as a man gifted with a kind and generous heart. He loved quietly, gave generously, and helped many without seeking recognition. He was truly a man of goodness and compassion.

The Lord is kind to those who are kind and generous to those who are generous. Therefore, we believe that Jac is numbered among those whom the Lord Jesus counts as His blessed and faithful servants, worthy to enter His eternal Kingdom.

Well done, good and faithful servant… Come and share your master’s happiness.” - Matthew 25:23

Though Jac has left us suddenly, his goodness, generosity, and loving memories will remain forever in our hearts and in the lives of the countless children and families who have benefited from his kindness.

Dear Jac, we will miss your warm smile, your simplicity, your friendly presence, and your generous heart. Thank you for everything you have been to us and for everything you have done for us.

May the good Lord, whom you served through your generosity and love for others, receive you into His eternal embrace and grant you everlasting peace.

Rest in peace, dear Jac.

You will always remain in our hearts and in our prayers.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

May the Lord grant him eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Sr. M. Arockiam FSJ
Superior General
Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph