WINTHROP - Mary Ellen Childs, 86, passed bravely through death's portal on Sept. 13, 2004, in Winthrop, after a brief illness. The eldest daughter of Herbert and Elizabeth Bean, she was born in Fayette on Aug. 25, 1918. She attended Chesterville schools and graduated from Monmouth Academy in 1936. Shortly after graduation, she began what was to become her lifelong occupation as an expert weaver at the Winthrop Woolen Mill. She married Lawrence Childs in 1953 and her beloved son, James, was born in 1956. She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence; her son, James; brothers Natt and Roy Bean; sister Ruth Dubois; and nephew Peter Nickerson. She is survived and will be sadly missed by a brother, George Bean, of Kittery Point; a sister and brother-in-law, Catherine and Almo Nickerson, of Winslow and Zephyrhills, Fla.; and nieces Sheila O'Neal of Winslow and Carolyn Strong of Oakland. At her request, there will be no public visiting hours and burial will be private at Belgrade Cemetery. The family would like to extend sincerest thanks to all who aided in her care and a special thanks to her dear friend, Garilu Weeks. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com