Kariene Koury

Kariene Koury, a longtime resident of Westport passed away on July 29th at the age of 88.

Born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn to John and Georgette Shahood, she attended Fontbonne Hall Academy and Packer Collegiate Institute. On Valentine's Day, Kariene met the love of her life and future husband, Fred Koury. They moved from New York to Pittsburgh where they made lifelong friends but eventually settled in Westport.

Kariene resided in Westport for over 50 years and loved all that the town had to offer. She was an active member of the Westport Young Woman's League and enjoyed playing paddle tennis, golfing at Longshore, dinners at Compo Beach and playing bridge with her friends. She was also an avid gardener, pianist, artist and master chef in her own kitchen. After her husband, Fred Koury passed away in 1980, Kariene opened Just Delicious, a gourmet food shop on Westport's Main Street. Just Delicious was one of the first fine food stores of its kind to open in Westport. She loved the daily interaction with her customers and providing them with culinary treats to take home.

Several years later, Kariene decided to embark on a career in real estate. She joined Realtech Realtors and, later, Prudential Realty. Kariene was highly successful and received the prestigious President's Circle award for her achievements.

While Kariene was a perfectionist and excelled at everything she did, her favorite role was that of mother and grandmother. She adored spending time with her family and was always ready for fun and adventure. Some of her happiest moments were spent teaching her grandchildren how to draw, cook and play card games. Kariene was known as a wonderful storyteller and always had a joke to share.

She will always be remembered for her love of life, love of family, sage advice, patience and sense of humor.

Kariene is survived by her children; Malakie, Suzy and husband Johan Brag, Kariene and husband Tom Maloney and son-in-law Jean-Baptiste Ducruet as well as her sister, Barbara Distinti. She will be missed by her grandchildren; Christina Ducruet Ross, Alexander Ducruet, Dr. Katherine Brag, Anne Brag, Tommy Maloney, Kay Maloney and Grace Maloney. She was predeceased by her husband Fred Koury and her daughter Linda Ducruet.

A Memorial service for Kariene will be held on Sunday, August 12th at 1:00 at Greens Farms Congregational Church in Westport. Friends are invited to attend.

Contributions in memory of Kariene Koury may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105