Mavis Virginia Bean

Mavis V. Bean, 101, of New Haven, died peacefully at home on September 25, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born in Tefft, IN on January 19, 1923, a daughter of Andrew and Elva (Albert) Kerr. Mavis is survived by her son Richard (Mary-Elizabeth) Bean of New Haven; daughter Martha Stanislawski of East Haven; grandchildren Brian (Anne) Stanislawski of East Haven, Andrew (Amanda Havens) Stanislawski of Hamden, Joshua (Leanne) Bean of Plantsville, and Danielle Bean of West Haven; as well as her beloved great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, Mavis was preceded in death by her daughter Janice, son-in-law Bill Stanislawski, as well as brothers Ray, Wilson, Gerald, Charles, and Romeyn Kerr. 

While she was born in Indiana, she grew up in Cuba, IL. In 1943, at the age of twenty, she traveled to Chicago, IL to enlist in the US Naval Women’s Reserve WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). After the war ended, Mavis settled in Milford to raise her family. Staying close to her children, in 1980 she moved to West Haven, and then in 2005, her final move to New Haven.

Mavis worked in Accounts Payable at Bridgeport Steel for many years and also as a receptionist in a few different area Rest Homes. Mavis was an avid reader of murder mysteries and completing crossword puzzles in ink. Mavis was a devoted UConn Women’s Basketball fan; she also enjoyed watching golf and would never miss an airing of Columbo, regardless of how many times she had seen the episode. She was a great cook and baker with special skills in crafting amazing apple pies and fried chicken (two fan favorites).

Arrangements were entrusted to West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 30th, from 4PM – 7PM. A service will be held on Tuesday, at 10:30am, in the funeral parlor. Interment with military honors will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

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