Karma Ann Beal

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karma Ann Beal née Yates, aged 87, who departed this life on January 26, 2026 after a brief illness. Born in San Antonio, TX, Karma was the daughter of Paul and Charlotte Yates. She grew up an army brat in Portage, WI and Garland, TX and was known from an early age for her wicked sense of humor.

Throughout her life, Karma was feisty, meticulous and passionate about history, genealogy, and baking pies. She was a faithful member of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, the Red Hat Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames. Karma was an adventurous life-long learner. As a retired NBS/NIST archivist, she participated in several notable projects including the preservation of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence, as well as researching the origin of the NBS Newton Apple Tree. She dedicated her life to her family, friends, and the Presbyterian Church where she later served as the secretary and Clerk of Session.

Karma was a devoted mother to Charlotte (married to Stephen) Mandragos of Waldorf, MD, Kenneth (married to Nhiem) Beal of Alberquerque, NM, and Steven (married to Peggy) Beal of Stowe, VT., and a proud grandmother to Christopher, Jeremy, Sammy, Ava and Nhu and great-grandmother to Nicole. Her love of her family was only matched by her love of God.

Karma is survived by her sister Mary, her brother Doug, many nieces, nephews and all the cousins she could find. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Gordon and Steven.

A celebration of Karma’s life will be held at 11am on March 28th, 2026 at Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church or your local PBS station.

“I’m still not giving you the passwords” – Karma Beal