CARIBOU – Elizabeth Margaret Bearce, 85, died Jan. 24, 2007, at Caribou. She was born Oct. 9, 1921, in Caribou, the daughter of Albert and Laura (Merritt) Johnson. She was a 1938 graduate of Caribou High School, where she was class salutatorian, as well as graduating from the Aroostook State Normal School with her teaching degree, where she was the soloist in many school musicals. Over the years Betty furthered her education, taking numerous courses through the University of Maine. She was employed as an elementary school teacher in Augusta and Caribou and was the librarian at the Caribou Public Library for many years. She married Ralph Bearce, July 17, 1950. She was a 70-year member of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church where she was active in many committees and groups including the United Methodist Women, The Jenny Lyons Circle, serving as church organist and pianist, and choir director for a number of years. She was also a member of the Caribou Garden Club and was a volunteer at Cary Medical Center where she helped organize numerous area blood drives. Surviving, in addition to her husband of more than 56 years, Ralph of Caribou, are one daughter, Joan M. Copp of York, Pa. Mrs. Bearce was predeceased by one brother, Stanley Johnson. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Anna Beach officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. After the service, the family invites everyone to a time of fellowship, remembrance and refreshments in the church dining area. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mrs. Bearce may do so through the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church Trustees or the Caribou Public Library. Funeral arrangements by the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou.
ELIZABETH MARGARET BEARCE
