Mildred E. "Millie" Coury

Mildred E. “Millie” Coury, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at Mohawk Valley Health Systems at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving nephew Jim and family friend Rich Robbins by her side. Born in Utica on November 17, 1923, Mildred was the daughter of the late George N. and Frances (Rezk) Coury. A graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, she then pursued her collegiate studies at Cornell University where she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Biology. In 1967, Millie began her career as an educator with the Utica City School District serving as a Science teacher at T.R. Proctor High School. But the majority of her teaching tenure was at Christopher Columbus School, the position from which she retired in 1983. Millie was an outstanding instructor who took a special interest in her students. She appreciated youth and advocated for their wholesome development. Even to her last days, she was proud when she read of good news about them, and she felt a humble happiness when former students fondly remembered her. Blessed with a strong constitution and a sincere heart, Millie was a concerned soul, very kind and generous. She earned the respect of many during her lifetime. She held dear all the great memories of her many years in the classroom and the ‘teacher’ in her lived on to her very last years. She had a keen mind and memory, always remembering dates and faces of those whose lives she touched. She was grateful to have had the privilege of a superior education and the ability to instill in others an appreciation for the intricacies and wonders of science. She herself appreciated nature and took a special interest in the seasons of trees. She was a voracious reader of educational, statistical, and scientific based information. She found humor in a several TV sitcoms, and edification and insight of world events in the daily news. To say that Millie had a love for cats is an understatement. She had a special affinity and bond with them, opening her home to many felines through the years. And if you knew Millie, you know she melted when she looked into their eyes. In our journey, we sometimes encounter an amazing person who enriches our life and becomes a benefactor. In 1983, Millie was fortunate to meet a young boy named Jim who she held dear to her heart to her last day. She loved him like a son and in return, he helped her around her home, in time becoming her primary caretaker. She could depend upon him and she trusted him implicitly. He was a godsend to her. Religion played a principal part in Millie’s daily life and when she recited her Rosary, she prayed for everyone. Millie is survived by her “adopted son”, Jim J. Tucciarone; her many nieces and nephews including Margaret “Peggy” Giroux, Rev. Mark and Maryann Starin, Timothy Starin, Scott and Debora Starin; several great-nieces and great-nephews, cousin Youssef “Joe” and Mona Kallas and family; and childhood friend and longtime neighbor, Mary (DeFazio) Sciortino and Mary’s nieces Barbara Skelly, and Margaret Yankovitch. Through Millie’s relationship with Jim, she came to know Rich Robbins, Jeanna Simonette and her daughter, Shelbey; Brandee Turrell, Heather Terrell-Wilson, Steve Kennedy, Fred Latour, Dora Martinez, Chris Larsen, and Lenny Mallozzi; and friend Holly Boardman. A special thank you is shared with Tom and Carrie Christman who gifted Millie with two adorable kittens who she adored for many years. Their names were Dusty and Molly. Neighbor and friend Samir Omercevic. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph L. and Flora Coury; and her sisters and brother-in-law, Esther Coury, and Rose M. and George A. Starin, Jr. Jim extends gratitude to Dr. Naji El Khoury and his staff; home caregivers Anida Brodt, Joe Servatius, and Mark Grube; and the personnel at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, as well as those from Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. All were outstanding and personal in the care they rendered to Millie in her final days. A special thanks to Rev. Mark Kaminski for his personal visit and prayers. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Millie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will take place graveside in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Mildred E. "Millie" Coury

November 17, 1923 - May 28, 2014