Barbara Metzger Baxter
Nov. 5, 1929-May 25, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Barbara Metzger Baxter was born in San Francisco, CA, on November 5, 1929 to Colonel Samuel Metzger and Lucille Spaulding Metzger. She died at home in Menlo Park, California, on May 25, 2024.

Barbara graduated from Stanford University in 1951 where she studied hard, swam fast, and stayed up late working as an editor for the Stanford Daily. She was an active alumni member and Stanford sports fan all of her life.

After marrying a classmate, William Francis Baxter, and raising three children on the Stanford campus, Barbara worked at Hewlett-Packard as a technical editor.

Barbara’s brilliant intellect and unwavering positivity were invaluable to her throughout her life. Both played a role in empowering her to live life on her own terms. She played competitive bridge, worked every year as an election official, and traveled the world on Elderhostel trips. She was passionate about scuba diving, community theater, books, the ocean, and gardening.

Walking with Barbara through her apartment building always provided a glimpse of how loved she was in her community: everyone knew her and said hello. She was a local celebrity, admired for her charm, wit, and warmth. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her beloved children William Francis Baxter III, Marcia Baxter Bearman, and Stuart Carlton Baxter; her three grandchildren Morton Robert Bearman III, Katherine Baxter Bearman, and Sky Baxter Miller; their spouses and their extended families. She adored her great grandchildren and her friends.