Barbara Lowe Keates of Huntington passed away peacefully at the Hospice House in East Northport on Tuesday morning, October 26, 2021. She was born in Philadelphia in 1927, the only child of Melville and Katharine Lowe. Barbara grew up in Port Washington, and was valedictorian for the Port Washington High School class of 1946. She graduated from Bradford Junior College in 1948. She then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority, graduating with a degree in journalism in 1950.

Upon graduation, Barbara moved back to New York and began her career in journalism at Mademoiselle magazine in Manhattan. She reconnected with her future husband, Thomas A. Keates, who also grew up in Port Washington. They raised two children in Huntington and were happily married for 44 years, until Tom died in 1995.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Kathy Schaeffer (Bernie) and Lisa Weinschenk (Al); her three granddaughters, Katie, Christie (Charlie), and Carly; and her two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Xavier.

Barbara cared deeply about helping others, particularly people in need. She grew up during the Great Depression and had a special place in her heart for those who struggle with hunger. Barbara served for many years as a Girl Scout troop leader, as a weekly “wing” at Huntington Hospital, as an aide to the Hunger and Outreach Committee of St. John’s Church, and as a monthly volunteer at the Huntington Community Food Council.

Barbara supported many charities over the years. Two of her favorites were Long Island Cares and Habitat for Humanity. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of these charities.

There will be a memorial service, followed by a reception, celebrating Barbara’s life on Saturday, October 30 at 2:00 PM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1670 NY-25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY. 

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