Elizabeth Ballard Bean Mavroleon

September 22, 1947 - October 29, 2022

Libby was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the daughter of Robert Thompson Bean and Elizabeth Dyer Bean. She graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School and Stratford College. A stunning beauty, she embarked on a highly successful modeling career, primarily in Milan, Italy. She appeared on dozens of magazine covers and billboards in Europe, surprising her mother, who on a visit, saw her daughter's face on five billboards between the airport and her hotel. Ever modest, Libby had not shared her visual ubiquity with her mother.

Libby returned to the United States and continued her career with Wilhelmina Models in New York, where she appeared frequently in fashion campaigns.

Succumbing to the persistent courting of Basil George Mavroleon, Libby and Basil were married May 23, 1983 in Manhattan and lived in New York City, Sharon, Connecticut and Millbrook, New York.

Libby embarked on a second career in interior design with Grady Cooley, as Mavroleon-Cooley, with projects in Manhattan, Connecticut, Upstate New York and North Carolina.

Libby had a rare eye for beauty, loved to entertain and was the hostess of many memorable parties. She travelled widely and enthusiastically, particularly enjoying Italy, France, Greece, the Caribbean, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Mexico.

She will be remembered for her glamour, style, generosity, southern gentility, charm, humility and indomitable spirit - a true steel magnolia. Libby demonstrated  unwavering loyalty and devotion to her many friends across the social spectrum.

She was predeceased by her brother Robert T. Bean Jr. and is survived by her husband Basil and her cousins Bill, Patty, Alex, Charles and Anna Wilson.

A celebration of her life was held Friday November 4th at Tamarack Preserve. Memorials may be made to The Dutchess Land Conservancy, 4289 NY-52, Amenia, New York 12545.

Special thanks are given to Dutch Mathers and Geri Lawrence who provided faithful and loyal friendship and support.