Lorraine Koury, owner of the iconic shop Boom Babies on Westcott Street, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15 following a short illness. She was surrounded by family and loved ones.
Koury established Boom Babies in 1986 and over the years the store became a staple in the Syracuse fashion scene, offering both vintage and new apparel and catering to generations of young people as they sought that perfect look for prom night.
Koury was a well-known and respected businesswoman, much loved by her employees and a multitude of dear friends. She was one-of-a-kind: a brilliant light in the world, full of life, love, artistic flair and generosity.
As news of Koury’s passing spread, the Boom Babies Facebook page began to fill up with posts from customers, friends and co-workers expressing their love and respect for her.
“She was a fashion mentor who taught me so much about retail and running a store, knowledge that I use every day while running my own business,” wrote one commenter. “Working alongside her at Boom Babies brought me lifelong friendships within a sisterhood of smart, creative and caring women & men.”
A memorial to Koury was placed in the showroom window of store, facing the eclectic Westcott Street neighborhood in which Boom Babies had established itself as a cornerstone for three decades.
She is survived by sisters, Donna (Syracuse, NY) and Annette (Sunrise, Florida), and brother, Joe (Washington, DC) and Fred (Minneapolis, MN), as well as several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Peter Gifford, parents, Mitchell and Rosanna, and sister, Michele.
Donations can be directed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org). Leave condolences at mathewsonforani.com.
