Mary Virginia Hishmeh

Mary Virginia Hishmeh, born April 10, 1933, passed away on Christmas Day. You might think that this would be one of the worst days, but Mary loved Christmas, so as her family, we know that she would have liked that, in some way.

Mary was born in Leadwood, Missouri – about two hours south of Saint Louis – to Jack and Irene Semar, and was an only child. She moved to the big city when she was only 18 years old to work in an office and start her life. Leaving her home was very difficult for both her and her parents, and she talked about that until very recently. She spent her 20s competing in ballroom dance contests and working as a secretary. She met her husband, Suhail, in 1956, married him in 1960, and moved to Beirut, Lebanon, where they lived for 16 years. They moved back to the United States in 1976, when the Lebanese civil war started, bringing along their three children (13 years old and under) and a black dachshund named Schultz. Mary had many dogs throughout her life – she started with Banjo in Missouri and ended with Benny in Chevy Chase – and one could argue that those were her true loves.

Mary embraced her life in Lebanon, surrounded by her husband’s large family, who could speak good English (after all, Palestine was previously under British rule at the time, so Palestinians always spoke excellent English). She worked for Coca-Cola in Beirut for many years and also helped her husband with his employment business. She sang in the choir at the American church and made banners and advent wreaths for celebrated Sundays.

Back in America, Mary became a legal secretary and wowed everyone with her 100+ words per minute typing speed. She also wrote shorthand, which she used at home for many years when she wanted to keep her notes to herself – no one could read shorthand! She attended Saint John’s for many years with our family, helping with the vestry and running a weekly gathering of parishioners making chili for the homeless through So Others May Eat.

She was a dedicated wife and mother and always put her family first. She is survived by her three children and six grandchildren (Irene m. Ramzy Sayegh, Jacques and Nina; Rima m. Boutros Assaker, Maya and Leah; and Johnny m. Margaret Horigan, Ruby and Ivy).

Mary's life will be celebrated on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Saint John's Episcopal Church, 6701 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD. 

* * Mary supported the Paralyzed Veterans of America for many years. In lieu of flowers, please go to www.PVA.org to donate in Mary’s honor. * *