Barbara Hultman Beach, age 84, passed away on May 25, at Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Gloucester, Mass.
Barbara, daughter of the late Gustaf and Ethel (Johnson) Hultman, was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Oct. 27, 1933, and was the wife of the late Edward N. Beach.
She is survived by her three children: Edward H. Beach (Susan K.) of Frederiksted, St. Croix, Pamela B. Michael of McDonough, Ga., and Susan B. Dick (Robert) of Ipswich, Mass. She is also survived by her sister, Claire H. Gannon of Milford, Conn. She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Renee H. Beach. She leaves behind five loving grandchildren: Susan Zinkovich (Charlie), Amanda Beach, Dana Capps (Travis), Robert and David Dick; and three great-grandchildren: Kaylei, Lily and John; one niece; and several nephews.
After graduating from Milford High School, she completed her RN degree at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. Barbara married the love of her life, Edward, at Summerfield Methodist Church in 1955. She and Ed moved to Hamilton, N.Y., where she worked at Community Memorial Hospital before returning to Milford, Conn., in 1958.
In 1963, a new adventure led them to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands where they enjoyed paradise for more than 50 years. Barbara worked at the Good Hope School for more than 20 years as the school nurse and the headmaster’s secretary.
Barbara was involved in the St. Croix community, volunteering at the Woman’s Coalition, Landmark Society and Friends of Denmark, and she enjoyed supporting the Queen Louise Home. She was the president of the St. Croix Tennis Club in 1995, although she only played tennis once! She enjoyed being a member of the St. Croix Country Club and the Carambola Golf Course.
She loved playing golf, card games, completing the New York Times Crossword Puzzle, and reading a good book with her toes in the sand. At bridge games she was known to win hand after hand while keeping up a breezy chatter completely unrelated to the card game (a “ruthless” competitor). She was not much for watching or following professional sports – with the exception of Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. Barbara enjoyed traveling, whether to other Caribbean Islands, Europe or trips to visit her grandchildren — she especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Barbara loved entertaining and hosting families for the holidays; she was always on the go.
After caring for others for 79 years, she was well cared for by the wonderful staff at Seacoast Nursing and Rehab in Gloucester, Mass., for the last few years. Barbara, “Mom,” or “Mum,” will be remembered for her kindness, instilling the willingness to forgive, friendship and a cheery disposition.
A celebration of life will be held in Milford, Conn., on June 25, followed by a memorial service held on St. Croix later this year.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Good Hope Country Day School, 51 Estate Concordia, Kingshill, St. Croix 00820 or Lutheran Social Services, 516B Hospital Street, Frederiksted, VI 00840.
