Winston Hawkins

Winston Wildes Hawkins, of Brooklyn, CT, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2023.  Born in Mansfield Center, CT on October 17, 1921, he was the son of the late Harold C. Hawkins, Sr. and Minnie (Wildes) Hawkins.  The seventh of nine siblings, Winston was born and raised in Mansfield Center.  Along with his twin brother Winthrop, he served proudly during WWII in the US Army Medical Division 56th General Hospital, stationed in England, France and Belgium.

Winston married Norma Balcom on October 11, 1947.  Together, they built a home and raised a family in Mansfield Center, where they were involved members of the community, belonging to the Mansfield Historical Society and Joshua’s Trust and were especially active in The First Church of Christ in Mansfield. They moved to Creamery Brook Village, in Brooklyn, several years ago.

Winston enjoyed a long career as a custom upholsterer.  He took great care and pride in creating beautiful pieces of furniture for many homes in the area.  Winston treasured his family and friends and was always ready to lend a helping hand or an understanding ear.  He easily developed and nurtured new friendships wherever he found himself, and his relationships with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a highlight of his life.

Winston was predeceased in July 2020 by his loving wife of 72 years, Norma; he was predeceased as well by all of his siblings and their spouses: Harold and Katherine Hawkins, Amy and Jesse Inman, Dorothy and G. Lewis Bailey, Leland and Louise Hawkins, Winthrop and Ethel Hawkins, Albert and Elizabeth Hawkins, and Virginia Bolduc.  There is surely a joyous Hawkins family reunion taking place somewhere in the heavens.

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Christine and Arthur Dimock, of Woodstock Valley, CT, John and Kathleen Hawkins, of Mansfield Center, CT and Elaine and Keith Conners, of Riverside, RI; his grandchildren and their spouses: Kevin and Sonia Greene, Nancy Dimock and Joel Zavala, Abigail Dimock and Tim Matthews, Kim Mueller-Westerhoff, Matthew and Aubrey Greene, Jessica Lodge, Bradley Conners, Sean Hawkins, Kristen Conners and Patrick Hawkins; and his great-grandchildren: Marco Zavala, Kira Greene, Samuel Greene, Maxwell Greene, Ronan Lodge, Fiona Lodge and Genevieve Greene. He also leaves many devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A memorial gathering for Winston and Norma is planned for Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2:00 at the First Church of Christ in Mansfield, 549 Storrs Rd., Mansfield Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First Church of Christ in Mansfield, P.O. Box 36, Mansfield Center, CT 06250. 

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