Sylvia Ann Habib

Her family was by her side. Born in Norfolk, VA, she was the daughter of the late George Habib, Sr. and Haifa Habib. She was the granddaughter of the late Barbara Moujais and niece of the late Salim Moujais and the late renowned artist, Shahadi Moujais. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Eli Habib.

Sylvia was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend. She grew up in a 113-year-old small business, the French Bakery & Delicatessen on Granby Street, Norfolk, VA. Her mother would cook and cart over the food with her and her four siblings to the bakery so they could have dinner with their father.

Sylvia loved Christ, her faith and her family. For over a decade, she, her sister and her mother were active in the choir of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk. Her mother chanted in Arabic during a special Easter service featuring several different languages. She was a foodie, and her favorite hobbies were gourmet cooking, interior design and domestic and international travel.

She attended Granby Elementary School, Northside Jr. High School, Granby High School, Eastern Academy School, Old Dominion University, American University of Beirut, Lebanon (AUB) and The American University of Washington, D.C. She received her high school diploma a year ahead of time from Eastern Academy. She graduated Summa cum laude, December 31, 1997, from Old Dominion University with a BS in Elementary Education. Knowing that Sylvia could graduate from high school a year earlier, her sister, Selma, pushed her to apply with her to study abroad, and in 1974, they were both accepted to attend AUB. When their admission advisor toured their dorm, he exclaimed that he had no choice but to accept both sisters because they each had outstanding grades. Sylvia’s honors included Alpha Chi, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi; Who’s Who Among Students 1976-77, 1977-78. She also received a diploma in 1982 from the American Institute of Banking, Washington, DC.

Sylvia’s career spanned over 30 years in brokerage and banking, most recently 10 years as Portfolio Associate, Morgan Stanley, Bethesda, MD (2014-2024). She was fully licensed in Life & Health and Variable Annuities as well as Series 7, 63, and 65. Her managers, colleagues and clients praised her professionalism and dedication to her job and clients.

In Washington, DC, Sylvia spent 20 years (1992-2012) with Citi: She was Vice President, Citi Private Bank for 11 years (2001-2012) and 9 years (1992-2001) with Citibank F.S.B. where she became Assistant Vice President. Prior to that for 11 years (1980-1991), she was Assistant Vice President, International Marketing Officer, Embassy Division, with American Security Bank (currently Bank of America). Sylvia started her banking career when she landed a position as an Administrative Assistant, Specialist, Diplomatic Affairs, International Division, with First American Bank (currently Bank of America) in Washington, DC (1979-1980).

Sylvia also had a short stint as Relationship Banker with Capital One in Bethesda, MD in 2014 as well as a substitute elementary school teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools. She loved children and enjoyed the time she spent at Westbrook Elementary School in Bethesda, MD.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Selma Habib and her two brothers, George Habib, Jr. and Pierre Habib, sister-in-law, Christine, two beloved nephews,

Michael and Matthew and a beloved niece, Natalie, whom she adored. She introduced them to music as infants, especially playing the piano, which she had studied for many years. She is also survived by her lovely, beloved goddaughter, Alexis El-Hage, of Potomac, MD; her beloved uncles and aunt, Mounir Moujais of Norfolk, VA; Elias Moujais and Saleemi Sawaya, of Shweir, Lebanon, and many cousins in the U.S., Hong Kong, Australia and Lebanon.

A viewing and funeral service will be conducted at Saints Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, Potomac, MD. A memorial service will be held later at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Norfolk, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saints Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 10620 River Road, Potomac, MD 20854 or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505.