Bishara Hashem

Bishara Hashem, 74, died unexpectedly on November 24, 2020, at his home in Jbeil, Lebanon. A funeral mass was held at St. Sadie Maronite Catholic Church in Akoura. Entombment was in Akoura.

Bishara was born and raised in Akoura, Lebanon. He was the son of Jacob and Filomena Hashem, who raised 11 children. Bishara served six years in the Lebanese Army.  Following the footsteps and dreams of his beloved sisters, on November 13, 1971, he courageously immigrated to Lawrence, Massachusetts with his son and wife. Bishara worked at Bishop’s Restaurant for many years. He also worked at Maroun Brothers Wholesale Corp; Wang Laboratories and spent thirty-nine years working with his brother-in-law Joseph K. Hashem & nephew Raymond Hashem in the family food service business throughout New England. Bishara moved from Lawrence and settled in Methuen, MA in 1974. 

He loved to walk, swim, garden and cook. He was an exemplar of Lebanese hospitality, always welcoming guests into his home with open arms and generosity. For decades, he hosted a large Christmas gathering at his Methuen home.  In 2009, Bishara decided to leave Methuen and retire to Lebanon.  He had a deep reverence for the United States and loved being an American citizen. Bishara was forever grateful to America for opening its doors to him and his family.  At every opportunity, he lent a helping hand to other immigrants. 

He is survived by his wife, Margie Hashem of Jbeil, Lebanon, his son Saba B. Hashem, grandchildren, Cole & Ella Hashem of Methuen, sisters, Sadie Hashem of Jbeil, Lebanon & Rose Hashem of Lawrence, MA; brothers Jake Hashem of Jounieh, Lebanon, Hashem Hashem of Jbeil, Lebanon and Simon Hashem of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and many nieces and nephews.

 Due to the Covd-19 restrictions a memorial mass will be offered in his memory at a date and time to be announced at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Lawrence..