KIM BEAN

MORAVIAN FALLS, N.C. — Kim Bean, a longtime Bridport resident, died Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Moravian Falls, N.C., at the age of 63.

Throughout her long battle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, Kim maintained her smile and found joy in the little things in life — dancing in her chair to jingles on commercials, lighting up at the mention of M&M’s, and recounting her favorite story from the past that she clung to until the very end. A story that earned her the moniker “Captain Morgan” at the day center that she attended.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Kim was one of the most selfless and empathetic people you will likely ever encountered. She always put the needs of others before her own. She was always there for anyone in need, whether that be a shoulder to cry on, a bed to sleep in, a home for an animal, or a hand-crocheted afghan to bring you warmth. If you came into her world, you were immediately welcomed as family.

As a wife and mother, her dedication and love of her family were the center of her existence. You couldn’t leave the house without her first telling you that she loved you and to be safe. She was a voice of reason, and always indulged in a round of what she referred to as “Good idea, Bad idea” when helping you weigh the pros and cons of a life decision.

Outside of her family, one of Kim’s proudest life moments was earning her GED in 2012. She persevered through the challenge and was asked to speak at her graduation — a task that put her well outside her comfort zone. Never one to seek being the center of attention, she was reluctant, but gave a moving and inspiring speech about the challenges she faced and the personal pride she achieved in obtaining her diploma.

She adored the community in Bridport, Vt., that welcomed her and her family with open arms. Working in jobs that put her in the center of that community brought her great joy, including her time working at Pratt’s Store, and the Bridport Post Office. Additionally, living in Bridport afforded her the opportunity to bring one of her lifelong dreams to fruition — she was able to have the horses she had always wanted!

Kim leaves behind her husband of 45 years, Alan Bean Sr.; her daughter, Tricia Jones and husband David; her son, Ernest Bean and wife Leslie; and her grandchildren, Gabriel Bean, Briana Tetreault, Carson Tetreault, Ariana Bean, and Kaitlyn Bean. She is also survived by her mother, Shirley Reynolds; and siblings,  Gary Reynolds, Laurie Reynolds, Robin Crandall, Debi Lynch, Jody Mercaldi, Mark Reynolds, Morris Reynolds Jr., Stephanie Reynolds, Kelly Bell, and Dillon Palmer; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, Morris Reynolds Sr.; stepfather, Lyle Litchfield; and beloved son Alan Bean Jr.

A celebration of Kim’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, at American Legion Post 14, 100 Armory Lane, Vergennes, Vt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kim’s memory to the day center that Kim attended and loved: Ruby Perdue Day Center, 1915 W. Park Drive 200, Wilkesboro, NC 28659. ◊