Cora Aleen Bean

Cora Aleen Bean, Everyone called her Aleen and her co-workers called her Beanie. She was born and raised in Luray, Virginia then came to the DC area where she lived in a bording house with some of her sisters and brothers for better oportunities. She learned to drive by "taking" her brothers car, driving it around then parking it in the same place so he wouldn't know. She loved going to barn dances.... she soon meet Thomas Bean and they married. They lived in a very small 1 room house on Ritchie Marlboro road before they built a small home where the Maryland beltway now passes through. Once they had to move (because of the Beltway), they had a brick house built on part of the Bean family farm on a hill at the corner of Ritchie Marlboro and Westphalia Roads. Aleen worked for over 30 years for the phone company as an operator. This is during time when operators used the old switch board (wire and plug in method). Through the years she did have to learn the newer more efficent ways when they did away with this method. She would work through the nigh shift and sleep a little in the morning so she be with her children during the day. Her first born was Thomas A. Bean, he served in the vietnam war, gave her 2 grandaughters and passed away just before he was 50 years old while in his moms care. Second born is Ernest Bean. He gave her 1 grandaughter and 2 grandsons. He helped to take care of his mom in her later years. Her 3rd child was her Daughter Sandra, she had many health problems as a very young baby and was cared for by her mom and dad. She stayed with her Mom and Dad and they loved taking care of her until moving in with Ernie for several years and now resides in her own assisted living home. Aleen had many talents and hobbies. She loved sewing and would take the time to make clothes for other people all the time. She also loved to teach the young kids in the family this craft. Canning and freezing home grown veggies and fruits was also a seasonal routine. Corn, green beans, tomatoes, pears, home made pickles, home made jellies and jams to name a few. She love to dance, anytime music was playing she would drop what she was doing and her feet would be moving. She would jump on a tractor with out a thought to help on the farm, and jump on a motorcycle to give it a try. She would do everything and anything. She also loved children, always kept a stash of toys in her closet and her eyes would light up to hold a baby or play with a child. She took care of many children in the family when she could. She loved visiting her son and daughter inlaws Childcare to play with the kids, they would dress her up with wigs and hats and she would just laugh and be so happy. She turned 90 years old in August of 2011 and would have been 91 this year. She did suffer greatly from her health in the last few years yet even at times when she was completely away from us, if music was playing - her eyes would light up, she would get a big smile and her arms would start to move. She lived a very long and full life, an interesting life. So many were touched in so many ways by this wonderful woman who is now our Angel.