She was born in Washburn, WI on April 25, 1920 to G. Lloyd and Alice McCoy Knotts. She was a graduate of Deering High School (1938) and Wheelock College (1941). She was a proud member of Kappa Phi, the Junior League of Portland, the Altrusa Club of Brunswick, and Bowdoin Women’s Society.
Grace was very active in her community and taught first grade in Blythville, AR, served on the Board of Directors for the Portland Boys Home, drove for the American Red Cross of Portland during WWII, and was registered in Washington, D.C. as a WWII Honoree.
Grace had a natural business sense, owning and operating Colonialcraft, located in the old sail loft in Waldoboro, for over 10 years. She was proud that it was the only wholesale and retail handbraided, hand-sewn rug business in the world at that time. Grace had a great sense of style which shown through as fashion coordinator and buyer for Senter’s Department Store in Brunswick for eight years.
In 1951, she married her husband of 56 years, George G. Bean. Grace was the unsung hero behind the success of their company, G.G. Bean, Inc. While she and George lovingly cared for their home in Mere Point, they enjoyed many trips throughout Europe, South America, and Alaska. In addition to being a wonderful mother, she taught church school at First Parish and served as Brownie leader for many years.
Grace is predeceased by her husband, George, and her sister, Elizabeth Fletcher.
She is survived by her two daughters: Alice Bean Andrenyak and her husband, Wesley, and Rev. Janet Leighninger; cherished grandchildren Jennifer Grace Merrill and Zachary George Leighninger; sisters, Janet Grandville and Alice Cooney; nieces and nephews; and her treasured friend, Judy White.
Grace was a dearly loved mother, wife, and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A service to honor her life will be held Friday, June 29th at 2:00PM at the Popham Chapel, Popham Road, Phippsburg officiated by Rev. Janet Leighninger. A reception will be held at the Chapel House immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity. Arrangements are in care of the Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick.
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