AVON – Thelma May Beal, 83, of Avon, passed peacefully at her home, with her loving husband of 54 years, Richard, at her side on Aug. 24, after a long illness.

She was born in Brewer, Jan. 12, 1924, the daughter of Clarence and Imogene Black. She was the second child in a family of eight whose father died when she was quite young. She lost two younger siblings to diphtheria and a younger brother, Phillip, who was a paratrooper in Italy during World War II.

She was residing in Farmington working at Forester Wood Products in Strong when she met her future husband, Richard. They were married at the Old North Church in Farmington on Oct. 2, 1953.

She was a homemaker with varying interests. She enjoyed oil painting and appreciated art, music and traveling. As an avid reader, she had a curious mind that remained with her throughout her life and illness. Her first thought was always for others whether they were family or friends. This selfless attitude sustained her during her personal battle with chronic illness.

She was one of the first individuals in the state of Maine to be diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease, Scleroderma. She fought the effects of this illness for 30 years. She accepted this as a challenge and began the Maine Chapter of the Scleroderma Society and worked untiring to raise awareness and funds. She was recognized for this by the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation through a grant to the Phillips Library.

She was proud to support and encourage all five of her sons to become Eagle Scouts. She recognized the importance of higher education. She and Richard supported and encouraged all six children to pursue a college education. Along with raising her children, she welcomed into her home exchange students from South and Central America as well as Fresh Air children from New York.

She is survived by her husband, Richard E. Beal Sr. of Avon; her daughter, Kathleen May Howe, and her husband, Leslie, of Florida; five sons, Randall E., and his wife, Annamaria, of Avon, Richard E. Jr., and his wife, Elaine, of Vermont, Ronald M., and his fiancée, Dawn, of New Hampshire, Russell M., and his wife, Kathleen, of Massachusetts and Rodger L., and his wife, Dayna, of Connecticut; five granddaughters; 10 grandsons; a sister, Beverly Durrell of Madison; a brother, Arthur Black of the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta; cousins, Al Sawyer, Jean Dingley and Helen Gordon; and sisters-in-law, Maxine Black and Roxie Black.

She was predeceased by three brothers, Phillip, Henry and Charles; and two infant sisters.