Jean Anne Hallinan

Jean Ann Maifeld Hallinan, 90, of Acworth, Georgia, passed away on May 18, 2026.

Jean was born on April 13, 1936, in Waterloo, Iowa. She was raised on an Iowa farm by her hardworking German parents, Evelyn and Lou Maifeld. In her late teens, Jean moved with her parents and sister, Judy, to Florida, where she attended Florida State University and earned a degree in Home Economics.

Somehow fate brought together an Iowa farm girl and a Massachusetts-raised young man, James Edward Hallinan, in LaGrange, Georgia, where they both worked for Callaway Mills. They married and began a life together, living in Greenwich Village, NYC; Charlotte, NC; Hurdle Mills, NC; and finally settling in Acworth, Georgia, where Jean would spend the next 55 years.

Along the way, they welcomed three sons: Michael Edward, Patrick Louis, and Jason Bradley.

Jean and Jim purchased 15 acres in Acworth, where they built a home and created the life Jean loved most. The farm became home to cows, horses, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, bees, and an abundant vegetable garden. It was there that Jean raised not only animals and plants, but also her three boys.

Her passion for community service began when Cobb County proposed expanding a landfill near her farm. Jean organized her neighbors and successfully fought against the expansion. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and responsible growth in her community. She later served on the Cobb County Planning and Zoning Board and became a strong advocate for voting and public participation. Jean was active in numerous community events, including hosting the Cobb County Republican Fourth of July celebration for many years.

Jean's greatest joy was her garden. She transformed her backyard into a respite, where family and friends could gather on the deck, surrounded by blooming native plants, singing birds, and the peaceful beauty she carefully cultivated. She was also a devoted member of the local YMCA, where she formed lasting friendships with the women called the "mermaids" at the pool.

Jean is survived by her sister, Judy Aydelette; her sons, Michael Hallinan, Patrick Hallinan, and Jason Hallinan; her grandson, Connor Hallinan; her daughters-in-law, Leigh Bost and Kim Hallinan; and Sweet Ginger, the beloved family cat.