Mary Khoury

Mary Khoury, 98, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on March 4, 1918 in Kearney, Nebraska, the second of ten children. Her parents were the late John and Helena (Shada) Nimie. Mary graduated from Lexington High School in Nebraska in 1936. Following an introduction to William Khoury by his sisters, Sophia and Estelle, Mary traveled by train to Iron Mountain to meet the Khoury family 77 years ago. Mary and William were married at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on November 20, 1939 and celebrated 45 wonderful years together. Mary and William owned and operated the City Fruit Market on the corner of Stephenson and B Street in downtown Iron Mountain. In the early 1960’s they added a full line of toys becoming the U.P.’s first year-round toy store. They retired in 1981 after being in business for 35 years. Mary was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES # 44), Masonic affiliated organization. She held the office of Worthy Matron among other offices. She volunteered with the Masonic Temple pasty crew for many years. Mary was also a member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Elizabeth Guild, Women’s Club, the Business and Professional Women and the Red Hat Society. She had many interests that included making beautiful stained glass and ceramic gifts for her family. She enjoyed water aerobics at the Community Center pool for more than 25 years. Mary loved cooking for her family and friends. She shared recipes and methods handed down from her Lebanese grandmother and mother. She was a role model to her family and taught them how to plan, organize and manage for success. Mary and William encouraged their four children and eight grandchildren to get a college education and to see the world. Mary was an adventurer in her own right. Retirement gave her the time to travel. She visited Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago and the Twin Cities. She loved spending time with family in London and Paris. Mary visited Lima and Iquitos, Peru where she toured the Amazon River in a dugout canoe. She also visited Sfax, Tunisia; Great Yarmouth, England; Stavenger, Norway; Aberdeen, Scotland; Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia where she hiked down into an inactive volcano. Mary was always interested in knowing what was up ahead. Her family wishes her Godspeed on her journey. Mary Khoury is survived by daughters Priscilla, Danielle (Kevin Romitti) and Sherry Khoury-Mykkanen; eight grandchildren, Alan Khoury (Elena), Angela (Kasey) Stephens, Layla Khoury-Hanold (Matt Bevan), Kristin Mykkanen (Arne Jakob Hidle), Will Khoury-Hanold (Xiao), Anthony Khoury-Hanold, Noura Khoury and Katie Mykkanen (Matthew Mason); a daughter-in-law, Doris Khoury; her great grandsons, Alexander Khoury and Riley Stephens; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband William (1984); a son, Roger (1981); a son-in-law, Ben L. Mykkanen (2012); and her nine siblings, Charlie, Sadie, Paul, Pauline, Ted, Calvin, Loretta, Sarah and Tommy. Visitation will be from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm on Friday, April 22 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The Order of the Eastern Star will conduct a memorial service at 12:45 pm and a Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Rev David Johnson, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family will donate memorial gifts to the Dickinson County Library to purchase new books. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Mary Khoury online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Mary Khoury

March 4, 1918 - April 11, 2016