Mary Ramsdell Beal

Mary Ramsdell Beal passed away on March 2, 2024, at the Converse Home in Burlington, Vermont. She was born in Newburgh to Homer and Marion (Cook) Ramsdell on September 12, 1927. Mary graduated from the Knox School, attended Wheaton College, graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s and earned a MA from NYU. She married John W. Beal and they resided in Newburgh for many years. Her family owned the ferries that crossed between Newburgh and Beacon and sold the right of way to the state for the construction of Route 84.

She was a special education teacher and tutor. She was a gifted gardener and member of the Garden Club of Orange and Dutchess Counties. She loved skiing and golf. Enjoyed biking, tennis, travel and sailing. Never stopped learning. Loved animals, children and music. She was a special friend to young people and will be fondly remembered by those to whom she gave her time, advice and affection. She was an Episcopalian and joined the Order of Saint Francis.

Before her last move to Burlington she spent several happy years in Plattsburgh, a decade in Westport and another in Rockport, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Ruth Holden and Leila Rich, husband, daughter Elizabeth Bowman, and a great grandson, Malcolm Bennoune. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Cornelia and Peter Forrence, John and Sharon Beal and Matthew Beal. Grandchildren and their spouses, Erica Bowman and Rob Willett, Alix Bowman and Kamel Bennoune, Henry Forrence, John and Alexa Beal, Leila and Michael Gigliotti, and Sarah and David Kenyon. Seven great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and, finally, many friends and admirers of all ages.

Mary’s ashes will be interred in Saint George’s Cemetary in the fall.