Obituary of Jeannine Haywood

Jeannine B. Haywood, a mother of 7, grandmother of 21, and great grandmother of 17, passed as she lived on her own terms on Saturday afternoon, January 16, 2016. She was 82 years old. Jeannine was born in Somerville, the daughter of the late Ralph and Thelma Mailhiot. She grew up and was educated in Cambridge. She married Paul Haywood and started their life together in Bedford. After 10 years and their family continually expanding, they moved to a bigger home in Lexington, where she spent much of her last 50 years. She had a strong resolve and was always a mother first. Her home was always a bustling place, filled with children and their friends. She was an excellent cook, especially good old fashion comfort food. Sunday dinner was a huge production for Jeannine. Her home had a revolving door in it where her children, extended family, and their friends were always welcome whether it was for a visit, meal, or place to stay. For many years, the only table that could accommodate everyone for dinner was a picnic table with benches. To help support her large family, Jeannine had worked as a waitress at Willow Pond Kitchen in Concord and the Everglades Restaurant in Billerica for many years. She enjoyed passing the day watching the cooking channel and reading the newspaper from cover to cover. She lived a simple life and was dedicated to her family and home. Jeannine was the beloved wife of the late Paul G. Haywood. She was the loving mother of Diane Higden & her husband Wayne of Burlington, Paul & his wife Joyce of Billerica, Denise & Frank Medeiros of Seabrook, NH, Gary & his wife Christine of Tewksbury, Robin O’Clair & her husband Walter of Clinton, Rhonda Mullane of Amherst, NH, and Jeannine Cumming & her husband Scott of Stow. She was the sister of Donna Smith of Petal, MS and the late Yvonne Stone. Jeannine was also survived by 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren with “two more on the way”. A Celebration of Jeannine’s life will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 4-8 p.m. Relatives & Friends respectfully invited to attend. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Jeannine’s name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.