Mary (Handy) Korbey's Obituary
On November 10, 2019, exactly one week before we would celebrate her 101st birthday, our mother, Mary Korbey, passed away. She had an amazing life, though not an easy one, which helped her become the strong, independent person she was.
Mary Handy was born in Dorchester, MA, on November 17, 1918, to Kalil and Sophie (Hajj) Handy. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Lebanon, only to permanently return to Boston when she was seven years old.
She graduated from the J. J. Williams grammar school before the family moved to Lawrence. There she continued her education, excelling in her studies, even with her limited grasp of the English language. She continued her education, and graduated from the McIntosh Business School.
She married our father, Alfred B. Korbey, in 1945, sharing 52 years of marriage until his death in 1997.
During the war, Mom worked for her father-in-law in the Cozy Corner restaurant on Broadway in Lawrence. When the restaurant closed, she went to work at Remington Arms as a 50-caliber bullet inspector. She later worked as an inspector for Raytheon. For many years after, she worked in customer service at the First National Grocery store until it went out of business. Finally, she worked at the Internal Revenue Service in various positions, retiring in 1980.
Mom was well-known for her Arabic food and pastries. Her door was always open, and you never left her home hungry.
We belong to St. Joseph Melike Church, where Mom sang in the choir for many years. She was an active member of The Daughters of St. Joseph, serving many years as secretary. You would always find her, along with many of the other members, planning, preparing, and serving at the annual bazaar. One of her proudest moments was in 2009, when she was presented with The Cross of Jerusalem, the highest honor presented by the Melkite church, for her devotion and dedication to her church and faith. His Excellency Archbishop Cyril S. Bustros of the Melkite Eparch presented her the award.
Mom was predeceased by her husband, Alfred, and brothers, Hassib, Naseeb and Eddie. Survivors include her daughters, Judith Keen, Corinne Korbey, Brenda Conway and her husband, Freddie, and her son, Dr. Azar Korbey and his wife, Marian; Grandchildren Kristin Korbey, Samantha Korbey, Daniel Lynch, and John Korbey and his wife Brianne; Great-grandchildren, Alexis Korbey and Jenna Lima; her brother, James Handy, and sisters-in-law Zackie Handy, Freda Handy and Kathy Handy, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, our mother requested that donations be made to St. Joseph's Building Fund, 241 Hampshire St., Lawrence, MA 01841
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of the Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services, ward 3B, for their kind and attentive care of our mother.
Per our mother’s wishes, there are no calling hours. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Melkite Church, 241 Hampshire Street, Lawrence, on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 10:00 AM, followed by graveside services at the United Lebanese Cemetery on 50 Corbett Road, Lawrence. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Korbey Family.
We love you, Ma ..You're leaving a massive void in our lives. Forever in our hearts, A, B, C & J
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