Honoring
Dr. Phebe Riad Ibrahim

Dr. Phebe Riad Ibrahim, a devoted wife, mother, sister, and accomplished dentist, passed away leaving behind a profound legacy defined by her deep faith, professional excellence, and a lifelong devotion to her large, cherished family. Born on January 30, 1938, in Alexandria, Egypt, Phebe was the third of nine children born to Riad Youssef and Nada Nehma. Raised with a strong Christian foundation, her life was defined by a faithful and loving spirit.

Phebe excelled academically, graduating at the top of her class from The School of Dentistry at Alexandria University in 1961. Her brilliant mind earned her a prestigious scholarship to specialize in Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons, alongside studies at Cambridge University. While in London, she met the love of her life, Dr. William Siti Ibrahim. The couple married in London on December 22, 1966, and later moved to Tripoli, Libya, where they shared a medical practice.

Their lives were upended on September 1, 1969, when a military coup disrupted the country just four days before the birth of their first child, Ramy. Months later, they journeyed through Europe and Lebanon before immigrating to the United States in October 1970, settling in the Washington, D.C. area. Over the next five years, their family grew with the joyful additions of their son, Mark, and daughter, Monica.

Driven by her lifelong love for learning, Phebe returned to school in the late 1970s to specialize further in Prosthodontics. She later opened a dental office inside her home, a decision that beautifully allowed her to practice the profession she loved while remaining fully present for the children she adored. She also shared her expertise as a teacher at the Georgetown University School of Dentistry until its closure in 1990. In total, Phebe practiced dentistry for 30 years, retiring only after a home fire made it difficult to continue.

Outside of her career, Phebe had a passion for adventure. She and Siti traveled extensively throughout their 50 years of marriage, exploring favorite destinations like Australia, Kenya, Brazil, and their beloved homeland of Egypt. She also found great peace and joy spending time at her second home on the Potomac River in Cabin Point, Virginia.

A faithful and encouraging pillar of the Bethesda Christian Assembly, Phebe’s deep devotion to her faith was beautifully woven into every aspect of her life. For many years, she generously opened her home to hold church meetings before the congregation transitioned to its current building. She warmly welcomed countless visiting brothers and sisters, while also offering her home as a sanctuary and landing place for many family members immigrating to the United States from Egypt. Siblings, nephews, and extended family all found a comforting haven under her roof, giving them a safe place to stay while they found their bearings and settled into a new world. In doing so, she truly embodied the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 5:10: “and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.” Phebe will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, her constant words of encouragement to everyone she met, and an unmatched elegance and grace.

Phebe was preceded in death by her dear husband of over 50 years, Siti, as well as her parents and her older brother, Karam.

Her loving spirit lives on through her family. She is survived by her two sons, Ramy and his wife Lilly, and Mark and his wife Meghan; her daughter, Monica Gainey and her husband Kevin; and her six cherished grandchildren, Alex, Michael, Daniela, and Andrea Ibrahim, and Phoebe and Levi Gainey. She also leaves behind her beloved brothers and sisters, Mary, Kamal (Balsam), Said (Sarah), Youssef, Persis (Isaac), Samy (Sanaa), and Rose (Khalil), along with countless nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply.

Phebe will be sorely missed as a devoted mother, aunt, grandmother, and active sister in her church. Her family takes comfort in the promise of Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”