Barbara Adams Beck

Barbara Adams Beck passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. Born February 16, 1934, in Greenwood, Missouri, Barbara was the proud daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Adams (Carrie Harris) and older sister to twins Janet and Jeanette. She met Charles H. Beck during her freshman year at the University of Missouri, and they were married the following summer. They shared 41 years of marriage until his death in 1994. Charles' PhD studies and career as a professor of engineering took the family to California, Missouri, and Kansas before a position at Tulane University brought them to New Orleans in 1964.

Barbara met the world with a gentle grace, a welcoming spirit, and an unmatched work ethic. She was the heart and soul of The Computer Shoppe, the Apple Computer store her family owned and operated for more than 30 years. She was also committed to her community and church, serving as president of the Tulane University Women's Association, as secretary of the Republican Women's Club of Jefferson Parish, and on numerous committees at Metairie Baptist Church.

Barbara was full of life, exuded joy, and never slowed down. She loved gardening, especially sunflowers and hydrangeas. She became a seasoned world traveler, climbing Machu Picchu, riding elephants in Thailand, cruising the Mediterranean, and taking countless other adventures across the U.S. and abroad.

Above all, Barbara's greatest pride was her family. She was devoted to her four children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, all of whom flourished under her endless, unconditional love. Her children, Mary Widmann (Harry), Nancy Boniewski (Frank), Cathy McDonald, and C. Joseph Beck, MD (Marian) could not have asked for a kinder or more loving mother. She set a lasting example for her grandchildren: Michelle Kimmel (Brent), Julia Kashishian (Steven), Katrina Cypress (Michael), Paul McDonald (Vey), Clifford Beck, Sarah Lewis (Kevin), Alexander Boniewski, Charles Beck (Amanda), and Elisa McDonald.

Barbara will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family will carry her legacy forward, comforted in knowing she is reunited with those who went before her.

With deepest gratitude, the family thanks the entire dedicated memory care team at The Blake at Colonial Club.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA.

A private funeral and burial will follow for family members.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Barbara's memory by planting a special flower or plant of your own to keep spreading the love and joy she gave to so many.