Gwen Lois Beck Schone

Gwen Lois Beck Schone July 9, 2014 Gwen Lois Beck Schone, 91, passed away July 9th in Portland, Maine. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Julia Beck, and two brothers, Charles and Billy. Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, she is survived by her husband, Charles F. Schone of 65 years, of Portland, Maine, and her 5 children and 10 grandchildren. Those children are Sonia (Quentin Tonelli) of Portland, Maine, Larry (Jeanne Schone) of Boynton Beach, Florida, James (Michiko Kono) of Seattle, WA, Marsha (Jay Lemons) of Selinsgrove, PA, and Linda (Pat McFadden) of Kearney, NE. The grandchildren are Andrew Tonelli, Bret Tonelli, Mariko Schone, Olivia Lemons, Magdalene Lemons, Thomas Lemons, Meredith Lemons, Brenna McFadden, Delaney McFadden and Jack McFadden. Valedictorian of her class at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a graduate of Grinnell College, Gwen also served as a Danforth Fellow in Maryland. She moved back to Sioux Falls and worked as a director of Religious Education at the First United Methodist Church there. She married Charles Schone in 1948 and they raised 5 children. She dearly loved her family and devoted her life to them along with her involvement in PEO and church activities. Gwen played the piano and loved to sing. Her children will always remember endless rounds of ""Down in the Valley"" and ""I've Been Workin' on the Railroad"" among other songs during road trips across Nebraska to camping vacations in the Rocky Mountains. Gwen was the cornerstone of her family and will be dearly missed by all who knew her kind, sweet, and gentle spirit. The family wishes to thank the staff of The Birchwoods, where Gwen lived for a time, for the care and attention she received there. Companion Debra Jordan enriched Gwen's life and was a great friend. Finally, Gwen lived most recently at Fallbrook Woods in an atmosphere enriched by music, a family of caregivers, and attention to her every need that blessed her final days. We also thank Hospice of Southern Maine, whose staff was a comfort to Gwen and to us all. There will be a private family service. To offer words of condolence and share memories with the family, please go to www.athutchins.com Memorials may be sent to: Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter 383 US Route One, Suite 2C Scarborough, ME 04074 1.800.272.3900 or 207.772.0115 www.alz.org/maine