PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Marion T. Bean, 96, peacefully entered her heavenly home on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, R.I. She lived in Riverside, R.I., and Barrington, R.I., before moving to Anchor Bay Assisted Living in East Providence, R.I. She was born in Sidney, on Oct. 24, 1926, to the late Harold T. and Mabelle A. (Freeman) Bean.

Marion graduated from Cony High School in 1943 at the age of 16. She worked for two years to fund her college education (and to buy her first car so she could go home to Maine). In the fall of 1945 Marion arrived at Providence Bible College, graduating in 1948. She went on to receive her B.A. from Barrington College in 1950. She studied at Bryant College and the University of Rhode Island before obtaining her M.Ed. at Boston University in 1959 and the Ed.D. in 1974. In 1977 her doctoral research was one of three selected in the USA for presentation at the National Business Education Conference.

A long career in Christian Education began as a member of the staff at Barrington College until she was granted the rank of Full Professor in 1956. She taught at her Alma Mater until 1985 when Barrington College merged with Gordon College. She continued with the College until her retirement in 1991. During her tenure at Barrington, Dr. Bean was Director and Professor of Business/Economics as well as Chairperson, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences and then Media Specialist and Professor of Education at Gordon. In 1999 Dr. Bean was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Gordon College for a lifetime of service to the College, its community and mission.

Marion’s heart for ministry extended beyond academia. She was a founding member of the Barrington Baptist Church. She served as Treasurer for the church for over 50 years and was considered a visionary in supporting the development of the Barrington Christian Academy, the Life Enrichment Counseling Center, and the Wee Care Day Care Center. After her official retirement in 2007, Marion continued her ministry by encouraging others and visiting with the elderly and infirm.

In her free time, she enjoyed her frequent trips to Maine where she tended to her flowers and yard.

Marion loved her extended family of 11 nephews and nieces, 30 great nephews and nieces, 50 great, great nephews and nieces, and three great, great, great nephews and nieces. She always enjoyed attending family events and rejoiced when there was a new addition to this ever-growing group.

In addition to her parents, Marion was predeceased by her two brothers, Clarence (Marguerite) and Charles (Sarah), and her sister Carolyn (Louis) Uttaro.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Anchor Bay who lovingly cared for Marion and supported her independent spirit during her final years.

A funeral service will be held on June 9, 2023, at 2 p.m., at West Sidney Baptist Church, 51 Pond Road, Sidney, Maine. Burial will follow at the Bean Cemetery, Route 27, Sidney.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta, where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the

West Sidney Baptist Church,

51 Pond Road

Sidney, ME 04330

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