Ms. Barbara A. Beeker

Ms. Barbara A. Beeker, of Pittsfield, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022, just three months shy of celebrating her 87th birthday. Born in Pittsfield, MA, on December 23, 1935, the daughter the late Marion Hopper Beeker, she graduated in 1953 from St. Joseph High School in Pittsfield and later from St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York with the class of 1956. Barbara continued her education, earning a bachelor’s degree, also in Nursing, from Hunter College, a Master of Education from Columbia University, and later, a Doctorate in Education from there as well. In 1962, Barbara began her career as a coordinator of the Practical Nurse Program for Pittsfield Vocational School. In the summer of 1965, she traveled to Guyana, where she worked as a consultant for the Pan American Health Organization. Returning from South America, Barbara took a new position as an assistant, and (soon-to-follow), associate professor at Russell Sage in New York. In 1977, she left New York and began work in Vermont, where she worked as not only a professor, but also chairperson for the Department of Professional Nursing at the University of Vermont. In 1987, further adding to her accomplished career, Barbara started as Dean and Professor of Seton Hall University in NJ, from where she respectfully retired in 1999. After retirement, Barbara returned home to Pittsfield, MA, where she was able to reconnect with many old friends and made many new, as well. Barbara enjoyed gardening and was also thoroughly fond of traveling. She visited every continent (some numerous times), with the exception of Antarctica. Barbara is survived by her brother, George Beeker (Roberta), as well as several cousins. Barbara’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Melbourne Place and Springside Nursing Home for their outstanding care throughout this time. Her family would also like to offer their sincere gratitude to Barbara’s friends--Pat, Fran, and Betty--for all their love and support. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Ms. Barbara A. Beeker will be Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 12 noon at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, with the Rev. A. Peter Gregory, Pastor Emeritus of St. Charles Church, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. There will be an hour of visitation at the funeral home prior to the service, from 11 am to 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to a charity of your choice.

Ms. Barbara A. Beeker

December 23, 1935 - September 24, 2022