Barbara Ann Beard

Barbara Ann Beard (née Curry), aged 75, passed away at 1:35 PM on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023.

Born October 18th, 1947, in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, she spent her early years as a traditional "tom boy" who was more interested in playing basketball with the boys in her Converse "high tops", than dolls with the girls. This competitive spirit was a driving force behind many of her accomplishments. After graduating high school from Notre Dame in 1965, she proceeded to obtain a certification in hair styling and made this a career for the better part of 40 years. During this time, she had a variety of interests which included Babe Ruth Baseball, where she coached and served as commissioner of North Brandywine Babe Ruth League. She had a passion for coaching and could easily connect with young ball players. Additionally, she spent time as a leader in Scouts and enjoyed being a member of the Delaware Camera Club where she would showcase her artistic talents.

Later in life, she began a 2nd career at Wilmington University where she worked in a variety of departments. A position in the library was her favorite, as she was able to connect with students and provide them with the assistance they needed. While working here, she obtained a bachelor's degree at the age of 61. This was likely her most cherished individual accomplishment, as she was told as a young child that she was not "smart enough" for college. She was passionate about learning and was a voracious reader throughout her life.

In her retirement, she spent countless hours with her grandchildren, spoiling them as often as she could. "Gammy", as they called her, would always put a smile on their faces. She remained an active member in the community, serving as Secretary on the HOA Board, and loved to decorate community spaces in her condo building.

Preceded in death by her father, Franklin Curry, and son, Michael Falconi. Survived by her husband of 47 years, Charles Beard; son, Brian Beard and his wife, Krissy; daughters, Maggie Hood Howe and her partner Tres Boyd, Laura Falconi and her partner Craig Seevers; grandchildren, Jackson, Luke, and Alison Beard, Averi Howe, and Cooper Falconi-Seevers; and other numerous family and friends.

Burial services will be private, and a celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date. The family would like to express our gratitude for the wonderful care provided by Delaware Hospice. In lieu of flowers, family and friends may donate to Delaware Hospice www.delawarehospice.org/donate and/or Delaware Humane Association now referred to as Humane Animal Partners Delaware after merging with the Delaware SPCA in 2022 www.humaneanimalpartners.org/give.