Maureen Beebe who was the basis for the little girl in the famous book Misty of Chincoteague has died.
The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company said she died at around 8 a.m. on May 25th.
Denise Bowden with the fire company told the Salisbury Daily Times that Beebe was a private person who would ride her bicycle around the island.
She said said Beebe never became too involved in the Pony Penning that has made Chincoteague famous.
The 1947 novel takes place on the Virginia Island when the Beebe family buys Misty and her mother Phantom at the famed Pony Penning auction.
Both were also based on real ponies.
Bowden added that the island will not be the same without her.
