Jean Bertram Erickson Halsted

1931 - 2025

Jean Bertram Erickson Halsted

March 26, 1931 - July 25, 2025

Jean Bertram Erickson Halsted went to be with the Lord on July 25, 2025. She was born on March 26, 1931, in Evanston, Ill., daughter of the late Julius Hayward Erickson and Marion Benjamin (Erickson).

She is survived by her loving sons, Reed Harbeck Halsted (Lorraine) of Basye, Va., and Bruce Pierce Halsted (Cindy) of Bridgeport, Conn.; five wonderful grandchildren, Benjamin Hayward, Dale Stewart, Christina Jeanne, Anna Pierce, and Pierce James (Siena); and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reed, who died May 13, 2016, and her son, James Spencer Halsted, who died Sept. 15, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Julius (James) Hayward Erickson, Jr., and sister, Marion "Dede" James.

Jean spent most of her childhood in Plainfield, N.J., where she earned an associate's degree in fine arts at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pa. She was an assistant dance instructor in Lake Placid and to Jeremiah Richards, teaching ballroom dancing to students in Westchester County, N.Y. She also worked as a teacher's aide for 18 years at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, N.Y.

She married her southern gentleman, Reed Halsted, on January 15, 1955, and they raised their children in Chappaqua and Mount Kisco, N.Y., until retiring to Richmond in 1992 to be closer to Reed's brother, Bruce (Polly), and their daughters. During that time, they enjoyed their life in Richmond, where they were active members of St. Giles Church and made many close friends, whom they loved and cherished. Jean was also active in St. Stephen's Ministry; was a member of the Colonial Dames, Junior League, and the Tuckahoe Woman's Club; and enjoyed attending her book club and Friday bridge group.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave. in Richmond.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 5200 Grove Ave, in Richmond, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, with the Rev. Josh Modrznski officiating. A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall following the memorial service.

Jean will be buried at the Stockbridge Cemetery in Stockbridge, Mass., in her family's plot, alongside her husband and son.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Giles Church and We Want More.