Rachel Bean Malenfant, 90, of Little Compton, passed away peacefully at the
home of her grand-daughter, Jennifer Rodriques, on Friday May 25, 2012 in
Dighton, Ma. She was lovingly cared for there during the last few weeks of
her life.
Rachel was born in So. Portland, Me. to Arthur and Sylvia (Gorman) Bean on
March 14, 1922. She graduated from So Portland High School in 1938 as an
Honor student. She was the wife of the late Roland Malenfant. They lived
in Fall River prior to moving to Little Compton in 1959.
She was a member of the United Congregational Church in L.C. and until age
and illness slowed her down she sang in the choir, played bells, was a
member of the Ladies Aid and worked on the church fairs. She also sang for
many years with the Tiverton Community Chorus.
Rachel was a happy, out-going lady with the ability to strike up a
conversation with anyone. She enjoyed her gardens, was an avid reader and
was often found at book and yard sales. She also loved to ballroom and line
dance (in her favorite pink shoes) at the VFW where she had many friends.
Rachel especially enjoyed her weekly luncheon dates with her very dear
friend, Ruth Bogle. She could also bake a "mean" cookie and everyone looked
forward to them. She was a loving mother and grand-mother, and her family
knew they could always turn to her for comfort and support. She is going to
be sorely missed.
She leaves a son, Robert Malenfant and his companion Kathy Warren of
Somerset; a daughter, Jane O'Neil and her husband John of Little Compton;
3 grand-children, Michael O'Neil of Little Compton; Elizabeth O'Neil of
Somerset; and Jennifer Rodriques and her husband William of Dighton, Ma.
She also leaves 6 great grand-children and 2 great-great grand-children and
her beloved sister Barbara Nichols of Biddeford, Me.
She is pre-deceased by her brothers Donald, James, George, John, and Thomas
and her sisters Ruth and Ester.
At the request of the family, arrangements will be private.