Chafica "Cheffie" Koury

Chafica “Cheffie” Koury returned to her maker on January 23, 2026, at the age of 80, following a lifetime marked by perseverance, faith, and strength. Born on February 3, 1945, in Kfarsghab, Lebanon, to the late Jahjah Melhem and Nadima Ferhot, her life was shaped by resilience and a deep devotion to God and those she loved. Cheffie carried herself with a quiet strength that defined her life and sustained her through a lifetime of extraordinary medical challenges.

Just days before leaving Lebanon as a teenager in January of 1962, Cheffie suffered a sudden and life-threatening appendicitis and underwent emergency surgery. A few days after her surgery, she arrived in the United States on January 20, 1962, alongside her sisters and best friends, Josephine and Susan, in search of a new beginning. That journey set the tone for a life defined by courage in the face of uncertainty.

Cheffie was, in every sense, a medical miracle. Shortly after arriving in the United States, she was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 18. For 62 years, she lived with lifelong kidney disease, enduring decades of dialysis as well as two kidney transplants. She was eternally grateful to her kidney donors, Ann Wilhelm and Joseph Gaffney, who gave her renewed life. Through it all, she never allowed illness to diminish her dignity or define who she was. Time and again, Cheffie persevered.

Her faith was a constant source of strength. Cheffie was a longtime and devoted member of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Easton, where prayer and community were central to her life. She volunteered in the church kitchen for more than 55 years. Cheffie took deep pride in her Lebanese heritage and with her beloved late husband, Deacon Anthony Koury, volunteered at the annual Lebanese Heritage Days, helping preserve the traditions and culture that meant so much to her. Despite her health issues, she worked tirelessly in all but one of the Lebanese Heritage Days over the course of the 46-year history of this festival.

Above all, Cheffie was devoted to her family and all of her extended family. She will be remembered for her unconditional love, intellect, strength in suffering, and faith. Her life bore witness to perseverance that defied all expectations.

Cheffie was a member of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church and the St. Theresa Sodality.

Cheffie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Deacon Anthony P. Koury, who departed this life on April 10, 2024; Brothers Izzat, Joseph, Melhem, and Chafiq; and her brother-in-law, District Judge Michael J. Koury. She is survived by her son, Anthony P. Koury, Jr.; her daughter, Frances M. Koury Marcus, and her husband, Jason, of Parker, Colorado; and her grandchildren, Alana and Jaxon. She is also survived by her sisters, Josephine Koury and Susan Olson, and Susan’s husband, John; her nephew, the Honorable Michael J. Koury, Jr. and his wife Elaine; two great nieces, Josephine and Rebecca Koury; great nephew, Michael J. Koury III; niece, Catherine Koury; more than 50 nephews and nieces, as well as many cousins and extended family members.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, 55 South Fourth Street, Easton, PA, with The Prayer of the Incense at 7:30 p.m. An additional calling hour will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA 18045. A Divine Liturgy will take place at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, Palmer Township. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cheffie’s memory to Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church to the Kitchen Renovation Fund. Arrangements are entrusted to Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Township). Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com.