[2] Born to P. K. Oommen and Kochannamma and sister to Jacob Oommen and Alice,[3] in the south Indian state of Kerala, she graduated in medicine from the Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore[4] and joined St Stephen's Hospital Delhi as a surgeon in 1942.
[6] She became the first Indian to hold the position of director at the institution, and held the post till her retirement in 1988.
[8] Dr. Lucy had been a gold medalist of the year during her college.
[10] St. Stephen's Hospital realized a growth from a maternity hospital comprising 140 beds to a general one comprising 450 beds, after the work done by Dr. Lucy.
[10] She was also the personal physician for the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.