Marlene Ann Winfield

The Life and Legacy of Marlene Winfield

Marlene Winfield was born on January 29, 1960, at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, to Marvin and Ena Cantine. One of six children, she grew up alongside her siblings Onethia Miller, Elizabeth Hagans, Marvin Cantine, Karen Page, and Robert Cantine. From the beginning, family was the center of her world, and the bonds she formed in childhood remained a guiding force throughout her life.

She spent her early years in Coney Island, across from Coney Island Beach, before moving with her family to the Bronx, where she lived most of her life. Raised in the Sedgwick Avenue neighborhood, Marlene proudly called the Bronx home. It was there that she built lifelong friendships, created lasting memories, and developed the strong sense of community that stayed with her always.

From an early age, Marlene showed a natural gift for creativity and a deep love for sewing, fashion, and design. She attended the High School of Fashion Industries, where she studied fashion design, garment construction, sewing, and textile arts. Her training sharpened her exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. After high school, she continued her education in a health occupations program, preparing herself for a career in healthcare and service to others.

Marlene began her professional journey at Jacobi Medical Center as a Hospital Office Assistant in the Gynecology (GYN) Department. Through hard work, dedication, and a caring spirit, she advanced to a supervisory role and became known as dependable, compassionate, and committed to helping others. She served Jacobi faithfully for many years before retiring in 2022. Even after retirement, Marlene continued to live with purpose, and in 2025 she gave her life to Christ, embracing her faith with joy and devotion.

While her career was meaningful, Marlene’s greatest joy was always found in her family. She shared a beautiful life with her devoted husband, George Winfield, her loving partner and greatest blessing. On July 14, they would have celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a home filled with love, faith, friendship, and cherished memories. Their marriage was a reflection of commitment, tenderness, and the deep bond they shared.

In retirement, Marlene devoted more time to baking, a beloved family tradition that became a ministry of love. She was especially known for her homemade carrot cake, made from her mother’s cherished recipe and perfected over the years. She also delighted family and friends with cheesecakes, chocolate cakes, decorated cupcakes, and other homemade treats, which she shared at birthdays, holidays, church gatherings, workplace events, and family reunions. Through her baking, Marlene poured love into every gathering and brought joy to everyone around her.

Those who knew Marlene will remember her warm smile, kind heart, gentle spirit, generosity, and strong work ethic. She carried a quiet strength and a servant’s heart, always putting others first and making those around her feel welcomed, encouraged, and appreciated. Her life was a blessing to many, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, George Winfield; stepchildren Marshayne Winfield and Monet Winfield; siblings Onethia Miller, Elizabeth Hagans, Marvin Cantine, Karen Page, and Robert Cantine; brothers-in-law Ricky Hagans and Barnea Page; sisters-in-law Latoya Cantine, Clarice Cantine, and Brenda Clark; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. She also leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.