Monday, June 8, 2026
Joanna Khayat Saba, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
Joanna had a way of lighting up every room she entered. Whether welcoming guests to L’Avant Garde or L’Annexe, restaurants on M Street, she greeted people with a kind smile, an easy laugh and a generosity of spirit that made strangers feel like family. A consummate hostess and devoted friend, she believed deeply in the power of connection. People were always at the heart of everything she did.
Her warmth extended into the spaces she created. From the thoughtfully curated library at L’Annexe, filled with books and treasured objects, to the serene atmosphere woven throughout the restaurant, Joanna’s extraordinary eye for design reflected her gift for making others feel at home. Beauty, comfort and hospitality were her signature.
Above all, Joanna’s greatest joy was her family. She shared a deep bond with her husband, Fady Saba, and cherished her children, Enzo and Ella. She was a loving daughter to Roger and Nicole Khayat and a devoted sister to Emile Khayat and Carlos Khayat. Through her relationships, Joanna left a legacy of optimism, determination, joy, and love.
Though she is gone, the spark Joanna kindled in others endures. It lives on in her family, her friendships, and the welcoming spaces she created, a lasting reminder of a life lived with warmth and love.
Joanna is survived by her husband, Fady Saba; her children, Enzo and Ella; her parents, Roger and Nicole Khayat; her brothers, Emile Khayat and his wife, Dina, and their children, Emi Maria and Roger; and Carlos Khayat and his wife, Hyun Ah.
A celebration of Joanna’s life was held on May 29 at Saint Luke Catholic Church in McLean, Virginia.