STARKS – Beula (Farrand) Hebert, 91, died peacefully Dec. 10, 2013, in her home in Starks. She was born on July 14, 1922, in Mercer, the daughter of Leon Farrand and Ruby Vivian (Frederic) Farrand.
She graduated from Madison High School in 1940 and from Skowhegan Commercial School the following year. She married her husband of 64 years, Carlton Hebert, on April 14, 1949. He passed away in September of 2012. They settled in Starks, and for more than 60 years lived and raised a family in “the blue house on the corner.”
Beula worked as a bookkeeper for North Anson Reel Mill for ten years and was the treasurer for the Town of Starks for 28 years. In addition, she served as treasurer for Starks Water District, her church and other organizations. She attended the Church of Christ, Presbyterian in Starks for over 70 years and was an active member of the Starks Progressive Club. She was a local 4H Club leader for many years. Following World War II, Beula was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Marriage and family were very important to Beula.
Beula’s favorite hobby was sewing. A skilled seamstress, she made many of her own clothes as well as clothing for her family. She crocheted and did beautiful embroidery work. She enjoyed walking, reading, working in her flower gardens, and playing the piano, as long as no one was listening. She also delighted in taking walks in the woods, looking for wildflowers. Possessing a sharp mind, she loved games of intellect, from card games to Scrabble.
Like many women of her time, Beula canned, froze and preserved fruits and vegetables for her family. However, she was also known for making and delivering candy, breads, jams and complete meals to many of the town’s elderly and disabled citizens.
In 2010 Beula became the recipient of the Boston Post Cane as the oldest citizen of Starks.
She is survived by her five children, Errol and his wife, Sun Ja, Vicki and her husband, Alan Stevens, Kerry and his wife, Jennifer, Pegeen and her husband, Malcolm “Steve” McConnell, and Shawna and her husband, Hugh Kelly. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Errol’s children, Marcia, Mark and Tracy; Kerry’s children, Edward and Joshua; Pegeen’s children, Lucas and Jodianne; and Shawna’s children, Jacob, Peter and Marie; as well as six great-grandchildren. She is survived by one half sister, Anna (Farrand) Perkins. She was predeceased by two sisters, Beatrice (Farrand) Maki and Iva (Farrand) Willis. She will be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.
A celebration of the lives of both Beula and Carlton will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Starks Community Center. In lieu of flowers, Beula’s children request that donations be made to the Starks Enrichment and Educational Society, (a non-profit organization that provides activities and opportunities for local citizens, especially children), 57 Anson Road, Starks, ME 04911; or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 40 Maple St., Madison.
Beula (Farrand) Hebert
