Obituary

Helena marie coury metry, age 99 of charleston, passed away peacefully at her home on wednesday, october 5, 2016. Helena was born on june 12, 1917 in deland fl. She was one of nine children born to the late naif and anne coury of parkersburg, west virginia.
Much of helena’s early life was spent in clarksburg and parkersburg, wv before marrying farris metry and moving to charleston where they had three daughters. She and her husband were entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Always a devote catholic, helena was a member of the basilica of the co-cathedral of the sacred heart. There she often served as a eucharistic minister. She was also a member of the shums “˜il bir club of st george antiochian orthodox church, and volunteered at st francis hospital. She enjoyed dancing, singing, and sewing, and especially loved spending time with family and friends. She was fond of music and enjoyed performances of her grandchildren as well as the symphony. Fluent in both arabic and english, she could best be described as a most elegant lady with style, grace, and beauty. She was a role model to so many and well known for her deep faith and warm, caring manner. She was an excellent cook and often invited newcomers to charleston or those without family to her home for dinner parties. A lover of travel, even in her 70s, she toured the taj mahal in india and explored the eiffel tower in france. She was quick witted, cracking jokes with an infectious laugh and smile. She was beloved by all who knew her and a blessing in the life of her family and friends. She was very athletic and could be found kicking a ball around with her grandchildren.
Helena was preceded in death by her husband, farris metry.
She is survived by her daughters nancy samra (george samra deceased), jeanette habib (hasan), and beverly gantos (kam), grandchildren cathy (mike) oosse, nick (sondi) samra, dr jim (lisa) samra, helena (john) nadder, dr. Joseph habib, kristen (nathan) catanese, stephanie gantos, and dr. Meredith gantos, helena is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, and cousins, nephews and nieces too numerous to mention but beloved by all.
Mass of christian burial will be 11 a.M. Saturday, october 8, 2016 at the basilica of the co-cathedral of the sacred heart, charleston with monsignor p. Edward sadie officiating. Burial will follow at sunset memorial park, south charleston. Visitation hours are 5 to 7:30 pm on friday, october 7 at barlow bonsall funeral home, 1118 virginia st. E. Charleston, where there will be a prayer service at 7:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the basilica of the co-cathedral of the sacred heart, 1114 virginia st e, charleston, wv 25301 or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com .
Barlow bonsall funeral home, charleston has been entrusted with the arrangements.