Theresa B. (Peters) Coury, 76, of New Bedford and Nantucket died July 24, 2004 at home after a brief illness.
She was the wife of Edward P. Coury and daughter of the late George and Kaffa (Dumas) Peters.
Mrs. Coury was an avid sun worshipper who spent as much time as possible on her beloved Nantucket, often inviting her many relatives to join her. Wife of former State Rep. Edward P. Coury, Mrs. Coury's ability to entertain became legendary during her husband's tenure. The parties at their County Street mansion set a new standard in combining political socializing with the ethnic diversity of New Bedford, most notably the Lebanese culture, which Mrs. Coury was proud to display.
After having great success with a Lebanese food cart at the Centre Street Summer Festival for many years, Mrs. Coury opened "Call Me Ishmael" restaurant, first on Johnny Cake Hill and then on Union Street. The restaurant enjoyed a loyal clientele among both business people and tourists. Mrs. Coury loved meeting new people and enjoyed good conversation and good food with them whenever she could. She never tired of conversing with people from all over the country and used every opportunity to tell people how wonderful her native New Bedford was. People still remember that on her many trips to Boston, she frequently used public transportation so she could talk to as many people as possible, often debunking the theory that people were unfriendly. Anyone who flew with her to Nantucket would marvel at how many people she knew at both airports and during the flight.
A grandmother of six, Mrs. Coury delighted in spending time with her grandchildren whether in their homes, on the family's residence in Nantucket, or at the Coury home in New Bedford. She was very much involved in the lives of her adult children as well as her many nieces and nephews. Her genuine interest in people was easily recognized by everyone who met her, making her the life of the party wherever she went.
A devoted wife, mother, sister and aunt, Mrs. Coury was also well known on Nantucket, where she had been a regular visitor for more than 50 years. The tight-knit atmosphere of the island was a perfect outlet for Mrs. Coury's penchant for neighborly interaction. After building a home on Nantucket, Mrs. Coury became a dedicated attendee of the Christmas Stroll, Daffodil Weekend and many other events that define the island and those who love it.
A parishioner of Our Lady of Purgatory Maronite Catholic Church, Mrs. Coury was actively involved in church events. She was a member of the St. Joseph's Sodality and the Catholic Women's Club.
Survivors include her husband; a son, Edward J. Coury of New Bedford; 4 daughters Nadine Coury of Fall River, Pamela Coury of New Bedford, Melissa Coury Cote of New Hampshire and Jennifer Kendall of Connecticut; 8 sisters, Sr. Mary Rose Peters, RSM of Bristol, RI, Cecile Attalah of Fairhaven, Anne Abraham, Emily Alves, Octavia David, Louise Dupre, MaryAnn Chomak and Norma Thomas, all of New Bedford; 6 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Freda Thomas and Mary Barckett.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordWednesday, July 28th at 9 AM.Divine Liturgy at Our Lady of Purgatory Church at 10 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours Tuesday, July 27th from 5-9 PM.
Interment private.