WEST PARIS — Eleanor M. Beams, 91, formerly of Knox Street, Rumford, peacefully left this world and entered Heaven late in the evening of Monday, Jan. 15, at the Ledgeview Living Center, West Paris.

She was born in Lancaster, N.H., on Nov. 6, 1926, and was the daughter of Isaac and Rose (Raymond) Bushie. She grew up in Rumford, attending St. Theresa’s Catholic School until she moved to Worcester, Mass., to work at Wyman Gordon in the cafeteria.

It was in Worcester that she met the love of her life, Robert E. Beams. They were married in Worcester on Dec. 11, 1944. She later finished high school, achieving her GED in 1976 from Rumford High School.

She worked at Bartash Drug Store for 15 years, as well as at Bass Shoe for nine years. Eleanor was one of the sweetest, kindest and most caring women who one would have the good fortune of knowing. She adored her family, who equally loved her. She was a giver of both time and energy to anyone who needed her.

Eleanor loved spending her summers at Worthley Pond and after retirement, her winters in Riverview, Fla. In Florida she had numerous friends, and both she and her husband were heavily involved in running Bingo at Pleasant Living Adult Park as well as participating in theatrical skits. She loved going to the beach, sitting by the pool, reading, playing Bingo and spending quality time with her family and friends. She was a communicant of Parish of the Holy Savior, St. Athanasius-St. John Church, Rumford, and was a member of St. Timothy Circle, Daughters of Isabella.

She is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Robert E. Beams Sr., of Buckfield; her children, Sandra M. Beams, of Riverview, Fla., Robert E. Beams Jr. and wife, Candy, of Barrington, N.H., Barbara M. Bertrand and husband, Chris, of Buckfield; her grandchildren, Jason E. Beams, of Tampa, Fla., Robert E. Beams III and wife, Jennifer, of North Berwick; her great-grandchildren, Trevor, Aislyn and Kaleigh, of North Berwick; her sisters, Rose Bushie, of Rumford, and Pauline Chase, of Wayne; her brothers, Ted Bushie and wife, Loraine, of Acra, N.Y., and Richard Bushie, of Maryland; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; infant brother, Isaac Bushie; sister, Theresa Downs; brother, Raymond Bushie; infant daughter, Brenda Beams; and grandson, Keith McLeod.

The family would like to thank Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for their months of dedicated caring. Special thanks to Tammy Bean, Bonnie and Doreen, and also a wonderful neighbor, Becky White, along with many other caring neighbors.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories online at www.meaderandson.com.

Eleanor M. Beams