Sylvia Moubayed

1936 - 2017

MOUBAYED, SYLVIA
Sylvia Moubayed could spend just five minutes with someone and create an indelible impression on their life. Whether it was those closest to her or people she briefly crossed paths with, she had a profound power to touch and inspire people. Sylvia was gifted with a deep sense of empathy and intuition that often allowed her to see the best in people before they could even see it in themselves. She had the ability to not only recognize the potential in people, but the capacity to empower them with the belief that anything was possible. In the truest sense, Sylvia was a healer, a poet and a "force of nature".
Sylvia Moubayed passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 13, at her Cape Cod cottage in Falmouth, MA at the age of 80. She was the wife and soulmate of Alvin ("Aly") Stallman.
Born December 29, 1936, in Alexandria, Egypt, she was the younger daughter of the late Robert and Sarah Barcilon. During her childhood and youth, she traveled extensively, spoke multiple languages fluently and was exposed to a worldview that fostered her lifelong passion for philanthropy, art, food and foreign cultures.
In 1963, soon after marrying Dr. Samir Moubayed, everything changed when she was forced to emigrate from Egypt under Political Refugee Status. Leaving everything behind, Sylvia and Dr. Moubayed accepted an assignment from the World Health Organization in order to leave Alexandria. They were stationed in an remote area of the Congo, providing much needed medical care and services to the Alur tribe in the Ituri Province. Living a life in the jungle with bare necessities, a pet monkey and two young children, she nevertheless reflected back on that period as one the happiest times in her life.
Two years later Dr. Moubayed was employed by Miriam Hospital, in Providence Rhode Island, where Sylvia would live the rest of her life. Her unwavering curiosity of literature led her to receive a Master's Degree in Library Science (University of Rhode Island), and eventually led her to become the Executive Director at the Providence Athenaeum. It was here where her brilliance and sheer will power were clearly revealed. She spearheaded a fundraising effort that resulted in a new wing being built, to preserve the Rare Book Collection, organized galas and trips to Europe, and left a lasting impact on the local and political community.
In 1989 Sylvia had a revelation. She opened CAV Restaurant (Cocktails, Antiques, Victuals) with a vision of creating a space that would nourish people's souls and provide a welcoming atmosphere to all: perhaps not the typical business model. Twenty seven years later CAV restaurant is now celebrated as one of Rhode Island's most iconic restaurants. The New York Times called CAV one of the five best restaurants in Providence, and Details Magazine listed it as one of the 300 most intriguing places in the United States.
East Asian antiques, African art, kilim rugs, and beautiful chandeliers light up CAV with a warm, inviting energy that is undeniably a reflection of Sylvia's generous spirit. Through the years CAV has grown to become not only one of Providence's most revered institutions, but also an extended family of staff and customers who all reciprocated the loving energy Sylvia had created.
In 1996 Sylvia wrote the last chapters of her remarkable life when she married Aly Stallman. Sylvia and Aly have spent many years on their annual respite to Thailand, living in a village next to their favorite river and biking everywhere. The two of them were often laughing, singing, and greeting people as they tandem biked through Providence or the Cape. Sylvia had recently refurbished two cottages in Falmouth and her time there was her most precious and appreciated of late.
Ultimately, Sylvia's crowning achievement transcends her years at the Atheneum, her many personal accolades, or her business success with CAV. Sylvia's greatest masterpiece lives through all those she has impacted during her time on earth. Sylvia wanted to bring light to the world and although she may no longer be with us, her light will continue to shine bright through everyone she has touched.
She is survived by her three sons: Shereen Moubayed, John Moubayed, Peter Moubayed, her older sister Yvette Spencer, and loving husband Aly Stallman. She was a mother to many, and especially fond of and close to her grandchildren who will carry her spirit forward: Ian, Catherine, Dani, Morgan, Sophia, Zander Moubayed, Sarah Pease, and Nathaniel Pease.
There will be a celebration of Sylvia Moubayed's life for her family and friends at CAV restaurant in October. In lieu of flowers, Sylvia's wishes were to donate to her favorite charity, Amos House. www.amoshouse.com
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field… I'll meet you there" - Rumi