WEST CORNWALL — Jane Andrews Warner Bean 76, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister (chef and gardener extraordinaire), died peacefully at home on Aug. 15, 2022. Her husband David L. Bean was at her bedside. Her daughter Chandra Casteel (Pip), sister Anne and brother-in-law Joseph Kugielsky were with her, as was her best friend, Patty Bramley.
Jane was born in Minnesota, but grew up in Darien. She attended Darien High School, then went on to earn her degree in behavioural science and English at Doane College, Crete, Nebraska, where she met her husband of 54 years, artist David Bean.
Jane, known throughout the Cornwall area for her kindness and industry, was a sought-after caterer — her unique dishes were loved and appreciated by the community.
She began her business, The Serene Bean, in Cornwall, answering an unmet need of helping people who could not venture out by bringing them food, cooking and driving to appointments.
While Jane was known for her cooking abilities, she was also an accomplished writer who contributed pieces to The Lakeville Journal, and other publications. She won an award for her three-part series on Northwest Corner residents who have joined the clergy as a second career from the New England Newspaper & Press Association.
She was a poet and writer who also enjoyed community involvement and discussions on the Cornwall Network chat room. Jane loved gardening, mysteries and planning their next trip. She was a member of the Friends of the Library and often entered her blooms into the Cornwall Garden show, where she was frequently awarded prizes.
Jane is survived by her three grandchildren, Gabe, Eli and Lilly-Jane Casteel-Lopez, her nephews Ben, David and Noah Kugielsky and her nephew, Richard Melville Hall (better known as the musician Moby).
There will be a celebration of Jane’s life on Sept. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Tim Prentice’s barn, 129 Lake Road, West Cornwall. All are invited to come, bring stories and photos and celebrate this extraordinary person.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to SVNA Home Assistance, 30A Salmon Kill Road, Salisbury, CT 06068, in her name.
