Emily Koury

Our beloved mother, Emily Koury, age 93, passed away on February  4, 2021. She was born in Kaitouly, Lebanon, to a large family, which  grew to include seven sisters and two brothers. Her husband,  Joseph Koury, born in Lebanon, emigrated to the United States with  his parents. Returning to visit his home country, he fell in love with  and married Emily. They returned to the United States and ran  Koury’s Market, their convenience store in Torrington, CT, along with  Joseph’s sister, Nora. 

Having spoken only Arabic, Emily taught herself to read and write  English so that she could embrace her new life in a new country.  With the help and support of neighbors, Emily took the United States  Naturalization Test and was so happy to be welcomed as a citizen. A  lifelong member of St. Maron’s Church in Torrington, Emily was very  active in her parish as a young mother. 

Emily was an exceptionally devoted mother to her four children.  When her husband passed away suddenly, Emily was thrust into  raising her young family alone. She and her sister-in-law took over  the family convenience store, where Emily worked shifts in the  morning, afternoon, and night, teaching herself how to run and  manage a business. All the while, she maintained a warm and loving  home for her children.  

Now adults with families of their own, her children grew to have an  understanding of how remarkable and hard-working their mother  really was. She did whatever it took to ensure that her children were  raised in a loving and supportive home and she was adamant that  they were all given the opportunity to have an excellent education. 

Adapting to a new nation, learning English, and working seven days  a week while raising four children, are all a remarkable testament to  Emily’s strength and love for her family. 

She will be remembered for Christmas gatherings at her home and  the delicious Lebanese meals she prepared for her family. A skilled  craftsperson, Emily was a gifted sewer and knitter, who made many  beautiful blankets, sweaters, and scarves for family and friends. 

Emily had a grateful and generous heart and a steadfast Catholic  faith that sustained her throughout her life. She had an infectious  smile that made everyone around her feel cared for and loved.  Heaven has gained a wonderful mother as she joins her husband,  parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. 

Our family would like to express our tremendous thanks and  gratitude to Bibi, Emily’s gifted caregiver, for her kindness and  immense compassion these past three years. There are not enough  words to describe the generosity and love she displayed. We would  also like to express our sincere appreciation to Emily’s neighbors,  Thomas and Susan Wall. The support, love, and friendship they  showed her will never be forgotten.  

We are also grateful for the entire staff of the VNA Hospice and  Palliative Care, a group of exceptional people who provided much  comfort and support to Emily and our entire family.  

Finally, we would like to thank Caretenders, the VA, and Bayada  Healthcare for the tremendous care provided to our mom. 

Emily was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Martha; her  husband, Joseph; her brothers, Fouad and Jouad; and her sister, 

Rosette. She leaves her six sisters: Zakiya, Soad, Aida, Baheya,  Marie, and Nadia. She is survived by her four children: Maron Koury  and his wife Susan of Mansfield, MA; Robert Koury and his wife Lise  of West Hartford, CT; her daughter, Diane Brugger and her husband  Tom of Needham, MA; and her son, Joseph Koury of West Hartford,  CT. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Pamela, Bill, Allison,  Brian, Jack, and Emily. She had the pleasure of knowing her great granddaughter, Penny. She is also survived by several nieces,  nephews, and cousins, whom she loved dearly.  

There will be a private family celebration of Emily’s life. In lieu of  flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's  Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or  VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, Fund Development Office, 120  Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608; or via www.vnacare.org/ donors. 

May you rest in peace, Mom. We love you.

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