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500 University Blvd. West
Silver Spring, Maryland
Octave Habesch Obituary
OCTAVE NAJIB HABESCH
On Wednesday, December 29, 2010 of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of Maria Habesch; father of Claudine Biggs and Najib (Elizabeth) Habesch; grandfather of Christopher and Stephanie Biggs, Alexandra andWilliam Habesch; great grandfather of Mackenzie. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Monday, January 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Church, 10103 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, on Tuesday, January 4, at 11 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, #300 Washington, DC 20015-2030. www.collinsfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Octave Habesch
John L. Flynn, Ph.D.
June 17, 2025
Claudine Biggs introduced me to her father Octave and her mother Maria the Sunday after we first met in 2008. Both he and Maria welcomed me into their Silver Spring home, and fed me dinner and treated me like one of the family. I not only fell in love with Claudine, who became my loving companion and girlfriend for 7 years, but I also fell in love with her parents -- Octave & Maria-- as well. I would sit in the chair next to Octave, and we would talk about every topic under the sun for hours; he was so intelligent and well-read! Claudine and I were in his room at the hospital, watching over him, on December 29, 2010, the night he passed away. At the moment he died, Claudine was in the ladies' room, and I was leaning over his hospital bed, holding his hand. He said, in his final words, that he had come to love me like a son and gave me his blessing to marry Claudine. He then passed away, and I had the difficult task to tell Claudine he was gone. As an author, I dedicated my 2014 book to both Claudine and her dad Octave. A finer man, I have never met, and all of these years later, I am continually reminded of his intellect, his humor, his genuine kindness, and the depth of his spirit. I regret that I never fulfilled his wish that Claudine and I get married. I do continue to carry my memories of Octave and Maria and of course Claudine deep within my heart. Continued blessings to all of you.
Teresa Mansfield Elliott
January 31, 2011
I have been deeply saddened by Dr. Habesch's death. He was a father to me and I always felt safe when I was with him. I remember as a child having lunch with his family, there was a whole fish and I was afraid to eat it because of the bones. He assured me I would be fine and because he was present (in case of emergency!) I ate it... Through the years he gave me advice and sometimes scolded me for not eating enough, always caring. I am so happy my husband and children got to know him. Much love to all of his family.
Cristina Mansfield
January 31, 2011
Dear Maria, Najib and Claudine,
It is not possible to think about the Mansfields, without thinking of the Habesch, Cossetti and Watsons, and it is not possible for us to think about our father, without thinking of Octave – Dr. Habsech to us. A kind and gentle man, he taught me some important life lessons and when Dad died he told me things about my father that I never knew. We will miss him greatly and we will always remember him.
Thinking of you,
Pancho Mansfield
January 31, 2011
My siblings and I knew Doctor Habesch all our lives. He was a dignified and caring man. We all loved him. We will always carry him with us in our hearts.
Teresa Mansfield Elliott
January 31, 2011
Dr. Habesch was a father to me and I always felt safe when he was around. I remember as a child I was having lunch with his family and they had whole fish - and I was afraid to eat it because of the bones. He assured me it would be ok and since he was there (in case of emergency!) I ate it and loved it. Through the years he always offered advice, scolded me for not eating enough, etc. I'm so grateful my husband and children were able to meet him. Lots of love always, Teresa and family
January 10, 2011
Maria daCunha
January 7, 2011
Dear Najib, Liz, Alex, Billy and Mackenzie,
We were so sad to hear about the loss of Octave. He was such a nice and beloved man. Our memories of him being with his loving family and enjoying Billy’s graduation party this past summer are priceless. May those and all the memories remain close at heart. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. With Sympathy and love, Tom and Maria daCunha
January 5, 2011
Dear Auntie Maria, Claudine, Najib and family. Our deepest condolences for the loss. He will always remain in our hearts and prayers. Goerge, Mae, Nicole and Natalie Skaff
Karen Robinson
January 4, 2011
Dear Liz and Najib, I just learned of your great loss. I am so sorry. I feel very fortunate to have met your dad at Billy's graduation party. He seemed like such a gentle man. I will always remember sitting at your kitchen table listening to his jokes. I send my love and deepest sympathy to all of you.
Jay Bertoli
January 4, 2011
Dear Najib and Liz, Dawn and myself would like to express our sincere condolences for the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Paul Mansfield
January 3, 2011
Barbara, the boys and I send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul, Barbara, Jack and Mark
Jim Ford
January 3, 2011
Najib, Liz and family,
Barbara and I send our sincere sympathy for Octave's passing. Please let us know if you need assistance. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
January 3, 2011
Our sincerest condolences to you all. Much love
Midge Watson and family
Mike & Daria
January 2, 2011
Mrs. Habesch, Claudine, Christopher & Stephanie -
You have been in our prayers and will continue to be during this painful time. We are so very sorry for your great loss.
Mike & Daria
January 2, 2011
Najib & Liz -
How blessed you are to have had such a fine example of love, dedication and gentleness as your father and father-in-law. His love for you and your family is timeless. We pray for strength and peace for you during this very difficult time.
Mario Toumayan
January 2, 2011
Will miss you dearly and forever. Mario Toumayan and Pat Somerville
Bonnie Grafton
January 1, 2011
Najib, Liz, Alex, Billy & MacKenzie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. There are not enough words to express our deepest sympathy. May God Bless all of you and keep you strong. Bonnie and Gord Grafton
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901
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