Maria Habesch

Maria Habesch, 96, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, February 7, 2025, at her home in Silver Spring, MD, while surrounded by her loving family. 

Maria was born on January 15, 1929 in Lebanon. After growing up alongside her sister, Apo (Arpine), in difficult circumstances, Maria began a lifetime of adventure that saw her travel to notable places around the globe. 

She began her nursing training in Gaza, where she became a Registered Nurse, and where Maria met her beloved late husband, Octave. She went on to live in England, where she furthered her education by becoming a midwife. She then lived in Libya (where she founded and ran a neonatal clinic), Lebanon, and the United States. Maria’s story was intertwined with moments of international conflict and strife, including a civil war in Lebanon and a dictatorial coup in Libya, events that altered the trajectory of her family’s lives. Amidst it all, Maria was doggedly focused on keeping her loved ones safe, healthy, and prosperous. 

During times of stability, Maria and Octave grew their family to include a daughter, Claudine Biggs, and a son, Najib Habesch (Liz), both of whom they adored with their whole hearts. Maria is survived by both Claudine and Najib. 

Later in life, Maria would split her time traveling between Beirut and Silver Spring, until she moved permanently to the United States - settling in a home on the same block as her daughter. Maria is survived by four grandchildren who adored her: Chris Biggs (Lori), Stephanie Bryden (Dan), Alexandra Habesch, and Billy Habesch - who all knew her as Teta. She was lucky enough to be the fun, hands-on, doting great-grandmother to Mackenzie, Everett, Theo, Poppy, and Jude. 

In Lebanon, Maria leaves behind many close relatives, notably her sister Apo, cousins, nephews, nieces, and lifelong friends. 

Maria had an arsenal of great jokes. She was a super hostess who insisted on sending you home with a platter of her delicious food. She enjoyed playing cards, loved telling stories, and she knew every nursery rhyme, which she sang often to her grandchildren. She was an expert knitter and her handiwork is being proudly worn by three generations. At all times, Maria was strong, determined, and unafraid–she was a lioness. There was no one she was afraid to stand up to when it came to protecting everyone she loved. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 10103 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902 immediately followed by a mass of Christian burial. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Laura’s Garden Foundation at http://www.laurasgarden.me