On Thursday, July 7, Barbara Mae Beckwith Stewart was called Home to eternal life with her Lord. Barbara was born on April 4, 1934 to Elsie and Vincent Beckwith in Scranton, PA.
She was the eldest of five children and grew up in Oxford, NY where she graduated from high school. She completed Ridley Business School in Binghamton and began her career at Broom Technical College. She then worked at Cornell University where she met and married William Stewart. This union came with four stepchildren. Barbara played a significant role in their lives and loved them and her grandchildren as her own.
She and Bill retired to Eustis FL. A big part of her life with Bill involved travel all over the US in their motor home. They covered many miles, made many friends and learned about our country. Never among strangers, they had wonderful times. Barb’s zest for adventure never waned and her days were filled with laughter and love.
Those who knew her admired her big heart her quick wit and her generous spirit. She was active in her church and enjoyed singing with the Lake County Ladies chorus and many community services. She was also very gifted in hand work. She had a kind word for everyone but could gently realign anyone who got out of place with a smile and a witty comment.
She was a gentle spirit who graced the earth with her presence and will be greatly missed.
Barb’s celebration of life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Eustis, 600 S Grove Street, Eustis FL 32726 on October 22, 2022, at 2 pm in Sturm chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara (Beckwith) Stewart can be made to the SUNY Broome Foundation for the American Association of University Women Award; PO Box 1017, Binghamton, NY 13002.
