Jean Scarlata

Jean C. Scarlata, 97, died April 12, 2026, at Milford Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. Jean was born Feb. 8, 1929, in Milford to the late John and Mary (Morrisey) Deneen.

Raised in Hopkinton, Jean graduated as salutatorian of the class of 1947 from Hopkinton “Stedgie Prep” High School and went on to further her education at the Fanny Farmer Cooking School. She then worked at Cushing Hospital in Framingham and the Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Dorchester and West Roxbury, where she fostered an inclusive environment for disabled veterans, hosting parties at her family’s lake cottage.

Jean later received her secretarial certification, leading to a career change that resulted in her meeting her husband, Joseph, in 1962 while both worked at Framingham National Bank. Joe and Jean were married April 27, 1963, and converted one of the family camp properties on Lake Maspenock into a beautiful home where they raised their three children, alongside Jean’s brother and his family. Jean dedicated 33 years of public service to the Hopkinton Water Department, approaching each day with the same cheerful dedication that defined so many aspects of her life, finally retiring in 2014 at age 85.

Not enough space exists to fully express how Jean touched the many people in her life, but when a nurse who cared for her in her final hours asked her secret to living to 97, she simply said it was to enjoy life by spending time with girlfriends, traveling, drinking wine and playing cards — these were the very reasons a “Golden Girls” room was dedicated to her and her friends at the local pub.

Jean inspired many through her steadfast example. She knew how to be present and enjoy all that life has to offer — especially time spent with family and friends, parties by the lake, cooking, traveling, reading, going for walks, relaxing and volunteering to assist those in need. Jean’s passing truly signifies the end of an era, and her absence will be felt deeply and indefinitely. We take comfort in knowing that she is joining as many cherished family members and friends as she is leaving behind.

Jean is survived by her children, Stephen Scarlata of Riviera Beach, Florida, Mary (Keith) Scarlata-Rowe of Hopkinton and Anne (William) Morgan of Hopkinton; 13 grandchildren, Antonia Scarlata, Paulina Scarlata (partner Connor Slattery), Benjamin and Samuel Lozeau, Adam, Deven and Caroline Rowe, Annie Conway, Elizabeth (Michael) Ashley, William (Nancy) Morgan, Dylan Plotkin; and six great grandchildren. She also leaves her sisters-in-law, Donna Deneen of Hopkinton and Rosemary Blair of Canton; nieces and nephews Cathy, Robert, Theresa, John, Susie, Maura, Patrick, Catherine and Dennis along with their families; beloved family members Eric Carty and Dorcas (Dee) Ceasar; and many more cherished relatives and friends. Jean was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Joseph Scarlata, and brother John Deneen.

Calling hours will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at Callanan Cronin Funeral Home in Hopkinton. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton on Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Hopkinton. Memorial donations may be made in Jean’s name to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.