to all and Dame Commander of the British Empire -- Marjorie Bean died on Thursday night in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Dame Marjorie, best known for her tireless work in Bermuda's educational system, was born on May 25, 1909 in Pembroke parish.

Long-time friend for 73 years, Vernon Jackson said: "When I visited her home at The Tower, Mount Hill, I was impressed by the atmosphere I found there in good music, good books, elevated conversation, beautiful things and good cultural activities.'' Dame Marjorie's well-known verbal repertoire began at an early age but quickly became apparent at the Berkeley Institute.

Mr. Jackson said: "One day while playing rounders at Berkeley, there was a disagreement and Marjorie accused a girl of being avaricious, whereupon the other students chanted in unison: Avaricious, avaricious! "They probably didn't have the faintest idea what the word meant,'' he said.

Dame Marjorie also broke the traditional mould in 1928 when she began her collections of `firsts'; In 1928: First Bermudian to receive the Mary F. Handy Scholarship, awarded internationally by the AME Church of America. She was also the first black to be granted a scholarship to an American University.

In 1945: First Bermudian to be granted a British Council Scholarship.

In 1949: First black Supervisor of Schools. First black executive officer in the Department of Education. First black senior Government administrator.

In 1950: First black executive officer of the Civil Service Association/Bermuda Public Service Association.

In 1972: First woman chairman of the Berkeley Educational Society.

In 1980: First woman to become a member of Bermuda's Legislative Council.

First black president of the Bermuda Society of Arts.

In 1982: First woman to be created an Honorary Fellow of the Bermuda College.

In 1995: Named in the Queen's New Year Honours List, Dr. Bean is the first Bermudian to be named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Tributes to Marjorie Bean Paying tribute, UBP MP Kim Young said: "Dame Marjorie was the first woman to be knighted in Bermuda and I think that knighthood is well deserved.'' Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon said: "Her passion to education and commitment for the people of Bermuda needs to be recognised.'' Ms Gordon said Dame Marjorie would be remembered as somebody who always thought women should carry themselves properly and speak properly. Dame Marjorie taught Dale Butler to waltz and kept C.V. (Jim) Woolridge in detention. Sir Peter Ramsbotham, former Governor of Bermuda 1977-1980, added: "She achieved such distinction and was held in such respect by Bermudians of all walks of life, that I decided, to appoint her as Bermuda's first woman member of the Legislative Council.'' Grand lady: Dame Marjorie Bean, who died on Thursday night, was an example and mentor to many. Tributes were paid to her for the good work she did and the many achievements throughout her life.