The last farewell for Sandy (Hatch) Khouy

Sandra L. (Hatch) Khoury, 65, formerly of Lenox and later Gamwell Avenue, Pittsfield, died last Thursday at Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield.

The Rev. Daniel B. Brunton, Pastor Emeritus of St. Ann Church in Lenox offered prayers and reflections Wednesday at the Roche Funeral Home for some 40 people.

Sandy was one of Lenox’s special persons, partly due to her personality, which at times seemed to be “negative” for a person dealing with the public. She was unique in terms of her wit, which was always on, and never in a sleep or closed mode.

Fr. Brunton, who spoke to her four days before she died, noted she was outspoken as she thought of the words, which would just roll off her tongue-without pause or thinking.

Her daughter, Kelley J. Khoury-Cady, admitted their relationship was difficult, but noted Sandy loved her family.

Many people remember Sandy from the Village Snack Shop, where they could spot her sitting in the window ledge, either chatting or doing crossword puzzles while her husband, Fares, would be cooking over the hot stove. At times, she would serve as a waitress.

Most early mornings would find J. R. Flynn and Paul Mahoney sitting at a table talking about town issues, plans for a trip or duties for the day in loud voices.

Sandy would be in the corner – waiting for her turn. Her turn came when they left, and it was at that point she might acknowledge one-if she liked you or say something of note. If she didn’t like you or your mannerisms, she might offer a gruff related comment.

It was never a “good morning” greeting. Like it or not, this was Sandy.

The one thing she and her husband had was this old historic building which was the town hall moved from the area where town hall sits today. They knew it was a key to the downtown historic development.

Perhaps on reflection, this explains in part Sandy’s disposition or personality depending on which side one might perceive her.

They were not going to let the building go cheap. They had the snack shop, daughter, Kelly, had the hairdressing shop and the other daughter, Karen, and husband, Art Reilly, had the newsstand. At the further end there was a bakery and/or other shop owners. Also three apartments on the second floor.

I found Sandy to be knowledgeable, quick with a comment-either in agreement or not. Admittedly, I am not sure where I stood in her view?

In the last year, she called me with reference to content in The Berkshire Beacon. She seemed conciliatory in nature and positive about the newspaper. Never did I think she would call me…

I like to think of Sandy as a “Beacon of Light of The Berkshires,” for she had the best interest of Lenox at heart. She never forgot her roots of West Stockbridge, and she wanted Lenox to remain committed to its citizens and not some pie-in-the-sky development. Sandy’s tough edge will be remembered with smiles and quotes for it was her wit that carried the day.

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Born in the State Line section of West Stockbridge, she was the daughter of Cora Belle (Place) Hatch of Canaan, N.Y., and the late Richard Hatch. She attended Stockbridge schools.

Sandy and her late husband, Fares Khoury, owned the former town hall building on Housatonic Street, before deeding it over to their daughter, Kelley J. Khoury-Cady of Pittsfield. He died Aug. 22, 2005.

They operated The Village Snack Shop in Lenox and later Sir Anthony’s Restaurant in LenoxDale before re-taking ownership of the snack shop.

A member of St. Ann’s Church, she enjoyed reading and her artistic abilities were well represented in her arts and crafts creations. While a resident of Hillcrest Commons, she volunteed at the Hillcrest Commons Gift Shop.

Besides her mother and daughter she leaves a step-daughter, Josephine Coleman, a stepson, Louis Khoury, both of Pittsfield, two sisters, Shirley Sylvia of Westport and Penny Wood of Canaan; three brothers, Terry of Hoosic Falls, N.Y., and Mark and Kim, both of Canaan.

She was predeceased by her father, Richard, and stepdaughter, Karen Reilly, who died July 3 of this year. Burial followed in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Posted by George C. Jordan III on December 27, 2012. Filed under Editorials,Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry