BREWER – Beatrice “Bea” L. McGrath, 77, passed peacefully Jan. 19, 2010, in the loving hands of her family at her home. She was born Jan. 2, 1933, in Kingfield, the youngest child of Harland and Zilpha M. (Taylor) Morrell. Bea graduated from Kingfield High School in 1951 and later graduated from Husson College. Bea’s life really began when she became a mother. Whenever she was asked about the most important job she held, Bea always responded “raising my kiddos.” Throughout the years, there are many wonderful memories of Bea playing bingo and card games, spending time with her friends, and enjoying the birds with her neighbors. She especially loved losing track of time in the aisles of TJ Maxx. Bea loved being Nanie to her eight grandchildren and glowed with pride each time one of them walked through the door. These are treasured memories and she will be dearly missed. She is survived by her children, Rhonda Merry and husband, Ross, of Knox, Karen Benson-Lewis and husband, Glenn, of Springfield, Mass., Sherry Hodgins and husband Dan of Orrington, Tim Benson and wife, Catrina, of Dedham and Heidi Sharpe and husband, Jason, of Hampden; her grandchildren, Matt, Greg and Lindsay Hawes, Christopher Lewis, Parker and Courtney Benson, Kennedy and Olivia Sharpe; a loving sister, Nat Snow of Bangor; brothers, Raynard Morrell of North Anson, Burchell Morrell and wife, Virginia, of Farmington and Steven Morrell and wife, Sherrill, of Hampden; her three stepchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. In addition to her first husband, Homer P. Benson and second husband, James H. McGrath, she was predeceased by two brothers, Milford and Graden; and two sisters, Pauline and Wynona. Friends may call 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at Brookings-Smith Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, with the Rev. Linda Smith, pastor of Elm Street Congregational Church, Bucksport, officiating. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery, Bucksport, in the spring. Gifts in her memory may be made to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 757, Holden, ME 04429. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
BEATRICE ‘BEA’ L. MCGRATH
