Roberta Bean

BRADFORD-KENDUSKEAG – Roberta (Strout) Bean, 87, passed away December 25, 2014 on her favorite holiday with her loving family by her side at the Veteran’s home in Bangor after her battle with diabetes and congestive heart failure. She rejoined with her husband, Lester who predeceased her on August 7, 2014, having celebrated 67 years together. She was born Sept 13, 1927 in Bradford, the daughter of Freeman Leigh and Stella (Williams) Strout. Roberta grew up in Bradford, graduating from Bradford High School. She was a hard worker, raised eight children along with two of her grandsons, Terry and Kevin Bean for a few years. She was known for her seamstress work. Roberta could make anything as she did for all of her family over the years for Christmas or their birthdays, only giving it up in the last year. She also enjoyed her ceramics, and made something for everyone. Roberta could remember all of her family’s birthdays, anniversaries, how long they were married, and cards went out to them. She was a people-person who would meet you, ask your name and want to know all about you. Roberta was treasuer of PTA in Bradford. She worked on potato harvesters for several years, and at the American Felt Slipper in Brewer, as well as worked with her husband on their poultry farm in Hampden and Winslow. Roberta attended Kennebec Valley Community College where she received her Certified Nursing Assistance Certificate. She worked at Lakewood Manor in Waterville and upon returning to Bangor area, worked at Community Health and Counseling in Bangor doing in-home services which she really enjoyed. Surviving children are Carlah & Wayne Bishop of Kenduskeag, Ruthena & Raylan Brasslett of Glenburn, Lester, Jr (Bud) of Bangor, Rodney & Deanna of Bangor, Robert & Dorothy of Newport, Myrna & Adolph Martin of Turner, Joanna Galkowski of Rockland and Verna & Peter Hussey of Winslow; 25 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Geneva Allen of Bradford and Joyce Mailman of Corinth; sister-in-laws Iva Osgood of Campbellton, N.B., Ella Duran of Portland, Glennis Downing of Palmyra, Rita Beane of Corinth, and Elaine and Lillian Strout of Bradford; brother-in-laws, Herbert & Audrey Beane of Bangor and Winston & Priscilla Beane of Blacksburg, VA; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by brothers, Carl, Robert and Warren Strout of Bradford and sister, Rebecca Miles of Hudson, and a grandson, Jeremy Bean. Friends are welcome to call on Sunday, Dec 28 from 2-5pm at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St, Bangor, where a funeral service will be held 11 am Monday, Dec 29 with Dalton Dunfee, officiating. The family invites all to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St, Bangor immediately following the service. Interment will be held at Corinthian Cemetery, Exeter Road in Corinth following the reception. Those who wish to remember Roberta in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Maine Veteran’s Home Activities account, 44 Hogan Rd, Bangor, Me 04401. The family wishes to thank the Vet’s home for the wonderful care given to her. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com