Irene Beals

Irene E. Beals, 93, of Wakefield, NH, a longtime resident of Sanford, died peacefully on February 11 at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, NH.Mrs. Beals was born in Sanford on February 7, 1920, the daughter of Lenwood and Daisy (Beale) Furbish and attended local schools. She married Claude Elwell and they had two daughters. Mr. Elwell passed away in 1961 and their daughter Carolee Lombard Varney passed away in 2004. Mrs. Beals later married Ellis Beals and they lived for a time in Laconia, NH. Mr. Beals passed away in 1973. She had most recently been residing with her sister Beatrice Libby and great-nephew Jon Barton in Wakefield, New Hampshire.Mrs. Beals had several jobs during her life. She worked for a time at a ball bearing plant in New Hampshire. She was also employed at Woolworth's in both Sanford and Rochester and several shoe, dress and print shops before retiring in 1984. She enjoyed playing the piano, harmonica guitar and singing, especially old hymns. She also enjoyed working in her yard, flower gardening, crafting and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her friends and family.Mrs Beals was predeceased by a sister, Alyce Walker.Survivors include her sister, Beatrice Libby of Wakefield, NH; her daughter, Claudette Horr of Sanford, ME; her son-in-law, Al Varney of Sanford, ME; grandchildren, Ellen Richter of Lacruse New Mexico, Erika Rose of Limerick, ME, Lenny Horr of Sanford, ME, Brian Lombard of Sanford, ME and Keyth Lombard of Appleton, Wisconsin; six great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; nephews, Robert and Bruce Butler; and a great nephew Jon Barton and his wife Donna of Wakefield, NH. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Forest Grove Cemetery in Lebanon. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed by clicking the condolences tab to the left.