Barbara Mae Beyer

Barbara was the faithful and loving wife of the late John Beyer, with whom she shared 69 years of marriage before his passing in 2025.

Born and raised in Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania, Barbara was the daughter of German immigrants. She attended Saint Joseph Catholic School from first through twelfth grade. Even as a young student, she delighted her classmates with the wonderful sense of humor she carried throughout her life.

Barbara later worked as a typist at National Supply Company in Pittsburgh. She met John while waiting for a streetcar on her way to work, beginning a devoted partnership that would span seven decades. After their marriage, the couple settled in Whitehall, a suburb of Pittsburgh. In 1969, the family moved to Centerville, PA, so John could be closer to his work as a professor at California University of Pennsylvania.

Having spent her life in the city and suburbs, Barbara suddenly found herself living in the country. She embraced the change wholeheartedly and created a wonderful home for her husband and children, which later became a vacation destination for her grandchildren.

A gifted cook, she prepared three meals a day for her family of nine. During the summer, she canned and froze vegetables from their garden and made jelly from homegrown grapes and strawberries, preserving the harvest to sustain the family throughout the winter.

Her Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were legendary—not only for the delicious food and homemade croissants she prepared, but also for the warmth and love they conveyed. Barbara especially loved baking cookies with her grandchildren, who happily served as her sous-chefs when they visited. A special treat was getting to lick the wooden spoon, which always had some leftover batter to enjoy. Her influence lives on in the many talented bakers and cooks among her grandchildren.

Barbara was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, attending Mass and praying the Rosary daily. She served the Church in many capacities, including cooking for the Lenten Fish Fry, organizing small-group outings, and helping with doughnuts and breakfast after Mass. She also served as a CCD teacher and Director of Religious Education at Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Richeyville, PA.

She loved sharing her faith with her grandchildren and encouraged them to keep God close throughout their lives. She attended Mass each week until the end of her life, demonstrating through her example and throughout every affliction that remaining close to God was a source of strength and grace.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son Paul, sister Rose Brady (Jim) and brother Karl, Heinz, Schwoerer. She is survived by her children David, Michael, Eric, Karl, Kathy, and Stephen; five daughters-in-law, Cindy, Teresa, Erin, Cheri, and Colleen; one son-in-law, Daniel; thirteen grandchildren, Joshua (Madeleine), Ross (Christina), Brittany, Andrew (Janet), Leah, Nicholas, Tyler (Maddie), Jeremy, Ryan (Alina), Emily, Jonathan, Katherine, and Sydney; six great-grandchildren, Scout, Murphy, Morgan, Collins, Elliott, and Vivienne; her sister and best friend, Martha Hasis (Albert); and too many nieces and nephews to list by name.

Barbara will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she, her husband John, and her son Paul are reunited once more.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Saint Luke Forward in Christ Building Fund.

Visitation will be held at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, on October 15, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, 9800 Fairview Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, on October 16, 2026, at 11:00 am.