FARMINGTON – The Lord needed another musician for His heavenly choir and has taken His beloved servant and our mother home for her first of many celestial concerts. Gayle L. McBean, 82, of Farmington, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2008, at her home with her family, after a long illness.
She was born Nov. 29, 1925, in Winslow, the daughter of Ralph and Eva (Howland) Lidstone. She attended schools in Wilton and was employed at Bass Shoe, Farmington Shoe and Forster Manufacturing. Gayle was a 58-year member of Chesterville Grange #20 as well as Maine State Grange and National Grange. Her piano playing will be greatly missed.
She also belonged to the Rebekahs, American Legion Auxiliary, Farmington Senior Citizens and Kitchen Band, RSVP and really enjoyed playing with the Old Crow Indian Band. She will be most remembered for her willingness to help others no matter what and for her high level of energy and activity. She enjoyed her family, friends, volunteer work, music, playing the piano and gardening.
She was predeceased by her husband, Wendell M. McBean in 1992 and her parents.
She is survived by one daughter: Wenda and her companion, Larry Everett of Farmington; three sons: Galen and his wife, Mary McBean of Auburn; Carroll and his wife, Lillian McBean of Bowdoinham and Brian McBean of Albany, Ga; 8 grand children and 4+ great-grandchildren; a sister, Pam Proctor of Gardiner.
The family wants to extend special thanks to the angels of Beacon Hospice for their untiring support and devoted care, especially Lynn. Also, many thanks to Franklin Memorial Hospital, Edgewood Manor and special thanks to Dr. Michelle Knapp for their care over the past two years.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 136 High St., Wilton, Wednesday from 4-7 PM where public Grange services will be held at 6 PM. All Grange members are welcome to participate. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11 AM from the Center.
In memory of Gayle, her family asks that you buy an American Legion poppy. Burial will follow services at Lakeview Cemetery, Wilton. Those who would like to offer condolences to her family may do so by sending your email to wilesfuneralhomes@verizon.net
