On Sunday, November 1, 2026, Heaven’s gates opened to welcome an angel home. Jean A. Cardinal, 93, passed away peacefully following complications of Alzheimer’s Disease at Beth Israel Hospital–Needham, surrounded by her loving family.

Jean was born in Boston, to the late Frances J. and James L. DelConte. She was raised and educated in Hyde Park and was a graduate of Hyde Park High School, Class of 1951, with her yearbook describing her as “The same sweet friend to everyone; her lovely smile is a charming asset and she will not be forgotten easily.” Jean met the love of her life, Giro, while in high school, and they were married on June 12, 1954. Following school, she worked for Hardware Mutual Insurance company before devoting herself to her family as a homemaker for many years. She later worked as an administrative assistant for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Boston for ten years and earlier for the former Multibank in Dedham for five years.

Throughout her life, Jean was an avid reader, reading everything from novels to newspapers, and never missed a day of reading her beloved Boston Globe with a morning cup of coffee. She always stayed up to date on current events, and remained well informed on politics, stock markets, and local news. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and playing games, often initiating a game of “Showdown” at her kitchen table during holidays and hosting card nights at her house during her young adulthood. Jean enjoyed teaching her grandchildren to play rummy, scrabble, and left right center, and her competitive spirit never allowed them to beat her easily.

Jean was a devoted Boston sports fan, having attended Boston Braves baseball games with friends during high school, always cheering for the Patriots, planning her night time routines around the time the Boston Celtics were set to tip off, and, of course, getting to see her beloved Red Sox win the World Series (and then some). Jean was also an active member of the St. Anne’s Senior Center, often attending day trips to Foxwoods with lifelong friends, and attended Bingo every week at Dedham High School.

Jean was an incredibly supportive mother, grandmother, aunt, and godmother. She would happily attend sporting events, graduations, and weddings, and would proudly cheer on the person of honor with such intention. Jean was a fiercely loyal, honest, and hard-working person, who cared deeply for her family. Her dry sense of humor and blunt nature was a beloved staple within her extended family. She consistently gave the most straight forward advice when warranted, and unwavering support when it wasn’t. Jean was especially close to her two sisters, all living within a close radius their entire lives, and having brought up their children together. In their later years, they would enjoy weekly outings including Wednesday lunches and Saturday night dinners.

Jean and her late husband, Giro, spent several winters in Naples, Florida, as well as travelling extensively with loved ones including trips throughout Europe, Japan, summers in Cape Cod and Hummarock, and annual trips to Aruba for close to thirty years. Having been a homemaker for many years, Jean’s hosting abilities came naturally. She and Giro hosted countless holidays, including Labor Day and Memorial Day where they made great use of their backyard pool, and their annual Christmas parties that were a cherished memory to all that attended. Their ability to make people feel welcome, whether it was an impromptu stop by or a completely filled house, was second to none. Jean and Giro’s longstanding and loving union was an inspiration to all that knew them, and their family has found peace in knowing they are together again.

Beloved wife and best friend for seventy-two years of Giro J. Cardinal, who died on September 29, 2026. Devoted mother of Paula A. Cardinal-Centofanti of Westwood and John G. Cardinal of Dedham, and mother-in-law of John Centofanti of Westwood. Loving grandmother of Amanda Cardinal-Centofanti and Patrick Fleming, Johnny, Adrianna, and Julia Centofanti, and Kaitlyn and Colin Cardinal. Cherished sister of Dorothy Elliot, Janice Abbatangelo, and James DelConte, sister-in-law of Patricia DelConte, the late Vera Lyons, and the late Geraldine Padden. She was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Visiting Hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Wednesday, November 11, from 3 – 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Catholic Parishes of the Blue Hills Collaborative in Saint Anne’s Church, 90 W. Milton Street, Readville, on Thursday, November 12, at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, 45 Fairview Avenue, Boston. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

For those who wish, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or www.alz.org.