Alice M. Bean, 85

Alice M. (Simmons) Bean, age 85, longtime resident of Gilmanton, passed peacefully on the afternoon of March 9, at Forestview Manor in Meredith, with her loving husband at her side. She was the wife of Stanley O. Bean Jr., the love of her life and her husband of 64 years.

Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, June 13, 1938, she was one of three children of the late Percy J. and Ruth G. (Boody) Simmons and was a graduate of Amesbury High School, class of 1956. She then went on to receive an associate degree from Vermont College, class of 1958.

Alice was a book lover and dedicated much of her life to working in libraries. She volunteered in several school libraries before working full-time at the West Springfield High School library in Springfield, Virgnia. After moving to Gilmanton, she was the librarian at the Gilmanton Iron Works Library and she helped establish the Gilmanton Year-Round Library to pass along the joy of reading to future generations.

She was a member of the Gilmanton Community Church and was involved with many aspects of the church.

Her dedication and determination were qualities that she embraced throughout her life and passed on to her children.

Those left behind to cherish a life well-lived and well-loved and always treasured are her husband Stanley; her two children, Sarah B. Hamilton and husband Edward of Bremerton, Washington, and Stanley S. Bean and wife Erika Porter of Kirkland, Washington; five grandchildren who were very special to her, Jessica Broglie, Corey and Shyla Hamilton, and Tyler and Sydney Bean; along with several generations of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her brother, James E. Simmons, her sister, Beryl Bagni, and her daughter Tracy Bishop.

A celebration of life at a later date will be held in Gilmanton at a location to be determined where everyone can share their special remembrances of Alice.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to send a remembrance are invited to donate to the Gilmanton Year-Round Library, the Gilmanton Community Church or other charity of their choosing.

Arrangements were made with the Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Ave., Amesbury, MA 01913.