Gladys T. Assad

Born in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph W. Coury and Alice V. Coury (Rashed). Her faith, family and the Flint Community in Fall River were the fabric of her life. In 1948, Gladys married Faheem J. “Fazy” Assad, her childhood sweetheart, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage until his death in 2011.

She was a proud graduate of B.M.C Durfee High School, Class of 1946 where she served as the editor of the “Durfee Hilltop” school newspaper, and was an inductee into the National Honor Society.

After high school, she began her career as a legal secretary in Fall River to Atty. Milton J. Epstein before entering Bridgewater State College where she studied Elementary Education. Her career path switched directions before graduating when she accepted the position of medical secretary/manager for the newly-established practice of surgeon, Dr. James J. Sabra. There, she forged a professional partnership for 25 years and was considered a part of his family.

Known for her professionalism, efficiency, and kindness, she was would serve refreshments to waiting patients if the doctor was delayed due to a hospital emergency.

Gladys valued being a lifelong parishioner of St. Anthony of the Desert Maronite Catholic Church where she served as church historian for many decades. She was also a member of the Blessed Mother Guild and of the Lebanon American Society where she served as secretary of the women’s group. Recently, she was honored with the Church’s first “Antonia” award and a citation from the Fall River City Council for her years of service to the community. She and her husband were lifetime members of the order of St. Sharbel and the National Apostolate of Maronites, attending conventions throughout the United States. In 1974 they witnessed the canonization in Rome of St. Sharbel Makhlouf, patron saint of Lebanon.

Her family of faith was interwoven with the Lebanese community in the “Flint.” It was a place where families were close knit and lifelong friendships were established. She grew up speaking English and Arabic, and enthusiastically participated in the culture. Lebanese music and dance, as well Armenian and Greek, were greatly enjoyed by her and Faheem, traveling to regional concerts and festivals. In 1966, she made her first trip to Lebanon meeting new relatives and visiting historic and biblical sites there and in the Holy Land.

Gladys was also a fan of the “Big Band” era, and the Great American Songbook, of which she knew the lyrics to almost every song. She loved to sing along with piano accompaniment and could pluck out a tune by ear, having never taken lessons. Her way with words could touch the hearts of listeners whether it was a testimonial speech or a simple toast before dinner. Her handwritten cards and notes remain a cherished remembrance by those who received them.

In addition to her faith and community, she found great joy in her family. She always presented a beautiful table for gatherings, and kept it set up just in case anyone dropped in for coffee or tea, or a game of cards with cherished friends. After retirement, she valued time with her beloved grandchildren who affectionately called her “Sitto.” She spent many weeks at her daughter and son-in-law’s home on the Cape where she resided in the “West Wing.” Her grandchildren and great grandchildren would arrive with excitement to see her. Family and friends gathered there to celebrate her 90th birthday with lobster rolls, Lebanese food, song and speeches. She remained strong and always dressed to the nines well into her 90’s despite remaining greatly vision-impaired.

She will be dearly missed and remembered with love by her daughter Angela Martinez and son-in-law Dennis Martinez; granddaughter Christina Hempton and her husband Jonathan Hempton; grandson Michael Martinez; great-granddaughters Hadleigh and Emma; goddaughter Ruth Faris; brother-in-law Roger Assad and his wife Charlotte; sisters-in-law Shirley Coury, Johanna Assad, and Louise Monsour, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, too numerous to name, who brought her great joy. She was predeceased by her husband, Faheem, brothers William Coury and Robert Coury, and sisters-in-law Mary Coury and Gloria Haddad.

Gladys was very appreciative of the care she received from the Southcoast Physicians Group. She credits the Center for Sight in Fall River and the Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston for restoring her eyesight enabling her to enjoy her later years. Her family wishes to thank her caretaker and friend, Rose Tavares, who was there for her at any time of day, and to Charlton Memorial Hospital/Southcoast Health Hospice for their compassionate care.

Her visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM at St. Anthony of the Desert Maronite Catholic Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00AM. Relatives and Friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Anthony of the Desert Maronite Catholic Church.