How do you tell the story of a remarkable and resilient woman whose story spans 88 years across multiple countries in just a few paragraphs? You can’t but it is my honor to try. I have had the pleasure of knowing Marie Khoury (Teta) and being a part of her family for the last 16 years. Over those years I personally experienced her love and commitment to her family. Some of my most precious memories with her are the times she spent with my children. They lit up around her unlike with anyone else. Her smile and bright eyes always lit up any room. She always made me feel welcome and as a part of her family.

Marie Khoury entered eternal life on Saturday, October 14, 2017 in Winter Park, FL. Her funeral service will be held this Friday, October 20, 2017 at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 10:00 a.m., in Maitland, FL.

Teta was born April 15th, 1929 in Iskenderun, Turkey, a city in the Mediterranean named for Alexander the Great. She was the daughter of Adbo Khoury and Victoria Constantine.

Her spirit is carried on by her four children, (Joseph Khoury, Amal Ghorayeb, Alexi Khoury, and Abdo Khoury), twelve Grandchildren, seven Great Grandchildren, and two surviving brothers (Simon Khoury of Beirut, Lebanon; and Joseph Khoury of Montreal, Canada).

She and her husband immigrated to the United States in 1982. She was exceptional at knitting and preparing Lebanese food. She loved to share the rich culture and traditions of her heritage with her growing family.

She is reunited with the love of her life, her husband, Elias Khoury (Jido) who preceded her death in October 2005. They were married on May 4th, 1949. She is also preceded in death by four brothers; Elias, George, Michael, and Hana of Beirut, Lebanon. Grandson Elie Joe of Longwood, FL.

Teta lived her life for her family and her faith. She was Godmother to more than 50 children and was the matriarch of her family. Everyone in her family held a special place in her heart and she never forgot a birthday or anniversary wish. Though her family was spread out across the world she always maintained the closeness and family values that she believed to be the most important part of life.

We take pleasure in knowing she lived a full and great life and is now continuing to watch over her family alongside Jido.

“ ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.’ (John 14:1-4 NIV)”