A Place to Reflect and Remember Our Friend, Barbara Becker

November 2024 brought the devastating loss of our dear friend, Barbara Becker, beloved wife of Claus and doting mom to their two boys. She was a loyal and caring person who truly wanted to leave the world a better place. In memory of Barbara, we are raising money to add a bench and native tree in her honor to the Woodland Garden, once the new library is completed this fall.

Barbara was known for her heartfelt yet humble work towards creating a better community and leaving lasting impacts on the world. At the local level, Barbara was proud to have her pollinator garden included in the Mystic Charles Pollinator Pathway and encouraged others to take part. She was excited to be a member of the Belmont Garden Club whose mission aligned with her own ideals: to advance the art of gardening, the science of horticulture, the artistic use of plant material in both flower and garden design, the conservation of our natural resources, and the development of civic beauty.

Barbara actively volunteered her time tending the Woodland Garden with other members of the Belmont Garden Club and helping to establish a local Seed Sharing Library with the Mystic Charles Pollinator Pathway Group. Online, she started an “Organic Gardening and Native Plants” Facebook group where people could share knowledge, ask questions, and promote biodiversity stewardship. Barbara organized local garden tours to help connect residents to share native plant information and inspiration. Most recently, Barbara put her efforts toward Payson Reservoir, arranging donations and gathering a group of volunteers to help plant native species on the hillsides. Along with her other undertakings, she was also on the Shade Tree Commission and an avid supporter of the Belmont Public Library.

Barbara was an incredible friend and neighbor to many of us. She didn't just care and inspire us to learn about our environment and how to protect our habitat, but also taught us how to appreciate its beauty. She is greatly missed.

Please consider donating toward a bench and native tree in Barbara’s honor, to be placed at the Woodland Garden when the new library is finished. We hope this will provide a peaceful place to rest and reflect, while carrying on her mission to further an appreciation of native gardens. Any extra funds will go to local projects that she held close to her heart.