Jean Cecilia Malley

August 7, 1946 – June 26, 2025

She's love, she's strength, she's courage. Her life was dedicated to and fulfilled by her deep, unending love of her family—her 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren, (and many grandpets she WOULD admit to loving, if pushed).

She was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1946 to John and Anne McCormack. She was one of eight children: John McCormack, Marie McArdle, Irene McCormack, and Barbara Manie; and the late Edward McCormack, Thomas McCormack, and Theresa McCormack.

Jean shared three daughters with Phillip Malley, her husband of 53 years: Sharon Malley Woodward, Jennifer Askew, and Lisa Malley, whom she loved unconditionally. She also loved, welcomed, and fully embraced her sons-in-law Peter Woodward, Henry Askew, and Adam Der Aris.

She spent many years of her life in and around Brookline Village, first at St. Mary's School and later working at Brookline High and Pierce School. Her friends and colleagues would describe her as fun, kind, quick, and playful.

Spending time with her grandchildren fueled her. Making mac and cheese, going to the park, taking walks, trips to the toy store, shopping at the Natick Mall, allowing tricycle derbies in her house, Nana brought the fun. She loved and honored each grandchild for who they are, saw their unique potential, and profoundly adored all of them: Ella and Clara Woodward; Benjamin, Jonathan, and Michael Askew; and Anna Der Aris.

Jean was wise, funny, brave, compassionate, strong (think inner strength and actual muscles), and no nonsense. May we all move through this world and life bringing peace and love and asking ourselves WWJD (what would Jean do?).

Visiting hours in Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home, 376 Washington St, Brookline on Sunday June 29th from 2pm to 6pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St Lawrence Church, 774 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill on Monday June 30th at 11 am. Burial immediately following at St. Joseph Cemetery, 990 LaGrange St., Boston.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Rosie's Place.