Ginette Marie (Hakim) McCarthy of Ipswich died on May 4, 2019, at the age of 89. She was born in Heliopolis, Egypt, located on the outskirts of Cairo.
When she was four years old, her parents moved to New York City where her father ran an antiquities business. She came to know Gloucester and Cape Ann after her parents purchased a summer home on Shore Road in Magnolia. They later moved there full time where the family continued its business on Lexington Avenue. In Magnolia’s heyday, the family opened and operated The Patio restaurant in the 1950’s, creating an opulent dining/nightclub establishment with music and dancing. After selling this, they opened Hakim’s restaurant and boutique. When they closed this restaurant, they continued to run the boutique for many more years.
Ginette was married to John “Jack” McCarthy for 50 years, and together they raised a large family in Ipswich. Following in the family business, she opened Foreign Affairs gift shop in Ipswich, which she ran for many years. Ultimately, her son David took over the business.
She was known for her love of cooking and gathered the family together every Sunday for large meals. Those gatherings grew as the next generation of grandchildren were raised in that tradition. She often prepared authentic Egyptian, Mediterranean and French cuisine. She loved to travel to Caribbean Islands with her large family to enjoy swimming and snorkeling in warm waters. Her other favorite destination was Las Vegas where they spent many winters, as well as enjoying frequent trips to Europe.
She adored her grandchildren who she loved to regale with stories of her colorful life. They spent a lot of time boating and fishing on the North Shore, and these excursions always included picnicking with the family.
She is survived by her husband John “Jack” McCarthy, son Jeff McCarthy, his wife Lesley, their children Ryan, Heather, and Shannon; son Greg McCarthy, his children Kaitlin and Derek, his significant other Jen Durant; son David McCarthy, his wife, Holli; son Tom McCarthy, his wife Gail, their children Sabrina and Michael, granddaughter Haley Clausen, her husband Rob, and their son Jacob; daughter Cheryl Shisler, and her husband Bill.
Ginette is also survived by her cousin Dr. Roger Hakim, who was like a brother to her, and the husband of Gabriella, who live in Ohio, and her other cousin Colette who still resides in Egypt.
There will be a private family burial at a later date.
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