Marie Abi Habib

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt and friend, Marie Habib, 68, on Friday, August 27, 2021, after a four year long brave and inspiring fight against cancer. Marie was an absolute rock star as she faced every step of the battle with the utmost of courage and positivity, smiling until the very end. She left her care team in awe as she pushed through every challenge that came her way.

Born in Diman, Lebanon on September 28, 1952, Marie was the youngest daughter of the late Boutros and Anastasia Habib. She worked proudly at a career she loved with RBC for over 40 years. Here she was blessed with the most wonderful colleagues and clients who became her lifelong friends. Marie cherished the time spent with all of her RBC family and she will always be their “sweet Marie”.

Marie led a full and vibrant life with more friends than she could count and nieces and nephews that meant more to her than words can describe. Marie had a very special bond with each of her nieces and nephews spanning three generations. She was our confidante, friend and guide who would stand with us whenever we needed her. There was nothing quite comparable to being loved by Aunt Marie.

Anyone who was lucky enough to know Marie was touched by her kindness, selflessness and sharp wit. As an avid sports fan, in particular of the Toronto Blue Jays and her beloved Montréal Canadiens, Marie loved nothing more than good old-fashioned ribbing when her team would come out on top of yours, and delighted in the banter back and forth. Experiencing the Habs go so far this year was just what Marie needed, and we like to believe they did it for her!

Marie was predeceased by her parents, her brother Wajih, and her sister Noel Arab. She was an angel on earth and is now a guardian angel to those left to mourn her, brother Peter (Leona) Habib, brother-in-law Fouad Arab, and her cherished nieces and nephews, Brian (Karen) Habib, Peter Habib, Angela (Michael) Himmelman, Dianne (Joseph) Salah, Roseanne (Anthony) Salah, Denise Arab, Sonia (Michael) Douglas and Robert (Penny) Arab; and many great nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks for the wonderful nurses and doctors at the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre and on 5A at the Victoria General Hospital who oversaw Marie’s care and helped make such a difficult time just a little bit easier. Special thanks to the wonderful Sarah and Beth who cared so much and became more like friends to Marie than nurses.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 31 from 4:30 PM to 6 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM at JA Snow Funeral Home (339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax). Due to current restrictions, access in the room will be limited but all are welcome. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 1 at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica (5221 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax) with Marie’s nephew and godson, Rev. Patrick J. Salah officiating. Capacity in the church will be limited to 150 people. The funeral will also be available by livestream to anyone unable to attend in person: http://www.livestream.com/halifaxyarmouth. Burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marie’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com