Andrea Elgin Beyer

August 26, 1944 - December 21, 2024

Andrea Elgin Beyer passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024 at the age of 80, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Anderson, South Carolina, she developed a lifelong love of learning, nurtured by her parents and education at the University of Maryland and Columbia University. A talented educator, Andrea taught in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York contributing to science and environmental studies programs. She was also a gifted singer, performing as soloist with choirs across New York City. Her passion for astronomy led her to meet her future husband, Steven Beyer, in a course at the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium. They collaborated on numerous projects, including the trailblazing "Light Show" exhibition at the Staten Island Children's Museum and "The Star Guide", a popular astronomy book published by Little, Brown and Company, the Book of the Month Club, and the Astronomy Book Club. Andrea and Steven enjoyed a fulfilling life together, raising their son Eric, traveling the world, doting on their precocious grandson, and engaging in many community activities in and around their beloved Staten Island. Andrea was a member and past president of Chapter Z, P.E.O. Philanthropic Education Organization, served on the Eger Homes board of trustees, was a volunteer and Meadow Fair coordinator with the S.I. Children's Museum, a Cub Scout den mother, also a council member and soloist at Salem Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge. She was a creative and resourceful individual, holding two U.S.

Patents for umbrella inventions and authoring several books, including recent editions of "The Star Guide", a children's cookbook, and an astronomy primer. Andrea's love for life extended to her family, friends, pets, and her beautiful gardens. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.