Marion "Jean" E. Winfield

Marion E. “Jean” Winfield (Hallett) of Sharon, MA on July 9th at 93 years of life, passed away peacefully in her home after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia, a disease that is often mistaken for Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. She was born in Nutley, NJ to the late LeRoy Hallett of Brooklyn, NY and his wife Edith (Burrell) of Jamaica. So her parents could care for their ailing eldest daughter, Consuello, at the age of three Jean, along with brothers Lloyd (AKA Buddy) and Ernest, were sent to live in rural Jamaica with her mother’s family. The siblings would remain in Jamaica for four years.

Upon their return to the States, Jean and her brothers rejoined their parents and new brothers Harry and John. They quickly became regular New York City kids, living in the neighborhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn where their parents bought properties. She graduated from Washington Irving High School in Manhattan and then attended nursing school at Long Island Brooklyn University. However, her formal education ended upon the death of her mother in 1951.  At that point she withdrew from school to help care for her father and brothers. At a certain point she pursued her interest in entertainment, training at The Grace Del Marco Agency, the first fashion modeling agency for women of color in New York City. Her natural poise, confidence and elegance was further developed during this time and remained with her for her entire adult life.

Eventually, she became the loving wife to her devoted late husband Carl H. Winfield (the brother of Jean’s brother John’s wife, Betty) until his death in 2019. In the mid-1960s they relocated their family to the Boston area where Carl had accepted a Chemical Engineer position at Polaroid Corporation. They lived in various locations in the Bay state before building their forever home in Sharon. In addition to making the house a home, her artistic talents flowered; she was a, award-winning painter, printmaker, photographer and creative artist. She was also the glue that held the family together.

She is survived by her children Paul E. Covington (Debra) of Boston, Gary Meade of Brooklyn, NY, Douglas S. Winfield of Norwood, Carla J. Winfield of Sharon, and Lisa M. Winfield of Sharon.  She was also a doting and loving grandmother to Lisa’s daughter Amanda Winfield (Cadesby). Special mention goes to her surviving baby brother, John G. Hallett (Betty Winfield), who was a constant source of laughter and joy for her throughout their time together.

She was predeceased by her parents Le Roy and Edith, sister Consuello, brothers Buddy, Ernest (Betty Weaver), Harry, her Aunt Evadne Channer and stepmother Maud Hallett.

She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Monday July 17th at 12 noon. The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service Monday morning from 11:00 am to 12 noon.  Burial will follow at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to one of the following organizations:

The Alzheimer's Association - Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help

Parkinsons Foundation - https://www.parkinson.org/

The Lewy Body Dementia Foundation - https://www.dementiasociety.org

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