WILMINGTON, N.C., and JONESPORT – Estelle Beal Bengtson, 80, died peacefully at home. She was born Oct. 2, 1926, in Calais, the daughter of Austin and Alta Beal. She graduated from Jones-port High School, 1944 and from New England Telephone Operators School, Houlton. She was a switchboard operator in Presque Isle, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She met her husband-to-be, William “Billy” Gordon Bengtson, in Presque Isle. They lived and worked throughout New England and North Carolina. Stell loved her family dearly and had many friends, who will miss her and her great sense of humor greatly. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Dick of Wilmington, N.C.; her son, Joel Bengtson of Richmond, Va.; daughter, Susan and husband, Scott Sumulski; one granddaughter, Deana Sumulski of Newton, N.H.; one brother, W. Stanley Beal of Jonesport; a sister-in-law, Lavonne Beal of Warren; one aunt, Margaret Noyce of Princeton; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, William Gordon Ben-gtson; one son, Charles Bengtson; her parents, Austin and Alta Beal; one brother, George Austin Beal. She will be dearly missed by all. A graveside service will be held in September at Green-wood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sawyer Memorial Church building fund, Sawyer Square, Jonesport, ME 04649.
LAURA ESTELL ‘STELL’ BEAL BENGTSON
