Mary passed away at her home on 18 November 2022. Her wishes for a private burial were respected by her surviving children. A celebration of her life and achievements will be held in November 2023.
“Mary was well known throughout the Greek and Egyptian communities of Australia and abroad as an innovative, modern and folkloric dance instructor, choreographer and director,” said her daughter
Tania Nassibian. “My mother was not only my best friend, but she was an amazing artist and was so loved by so many people. Her loss is a tragedy for the community,” Tania continued.
Mary’s dance career started in Egypt when, at the age of 17, she was selected as the Principal Dancer of the Egyptian National Folkloric Ballet. Her career continued to blossom in Australia, where she founded the Mary Nassibian Folkloric Dance Society, which included a touring dance company and ten dance schools.
Mary was not only a famed artist, she also had a gift that inspired people beyond dance. Mary was involved in many charities and television. Her final performance was at the end of October, where she choreographed an Egyptian-themed dance performance at a benefit event at Le Montage, Leichhardt.
As one of the founding members of this charity, they reached their goal of raising $1.0m for blood cancer research for a Sydney Hospital.
Mary was awarded a Premiers Multicultural Community Medal in Arts and Culture in 2020.
Tania said, “Though Mary will be missed by many people, her vibrant smile and
generous energy will always live on in our hearts, and her legacy remains.”