Barbara LaGarde Luchsinger

In loving memory of Barbara LaGarde Luchsinger. Barbara was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 27, 1941, to the late Ben Lamberton LaGarde and Barbara (née Truby) LaGarde. After WWII, her family moved to a farm in Urbana when she was young, where she grew up and developed a lifelong connection to the land. She later returned to the same farm with her beloved husband of 52 years, the late Peter C. Luchsinger. Barbara died there, on the farm she cherished deeply, at the age of 84 from old age.

Barbara earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in nursing from The Catholic University of America. She then built an extensive career in medical research. She became the first woman to work in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at the National Naval Medical Center, a significant milestone in her field. While working at the hospital, she met her future husband, and together they published numerous notable research projects at Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins Medical School, as well as their associated hospitals.

In the 1970s, Barbara and Peter moved to Zurich, Switzerland, where they helped manage a family business. In 1978, they returned to the United States to live on Barbara’s family farm in Urbana. There, they dedicated themselves to land stewardship, initially starting a Christmas tree farm that sold trees to local Boy Scout troops. They later transformed the farm to grow Black Walnut trees, planting hundreds with support from the Maryland Walnut Council. Their efforts earned them the honor of “Tree Farm of the Year for Frederick County” in 2009. Barbara’s passion for the land led her to serve as President of the Maryland Chapter of the Walnut Council and later was elected as the first female president of the national Walnut Council.

Beyond the farm, Barbara and Peter shared a love of traveling, art, country living, finding great deals on wine, and—often with good humor—managing Peter’s enthusiasm for lawns, accounting, and spreadsheets. Barbara also belonged to a flower club and was an active, dedicated member of the Achievement Rewards for College Students (ARCS) Foundation.

Barbara is survived by: her son, Fred Luchsinger (Marisa); her stepdaughter, Andrea Luchsinger Morton (Gary); her grandchildren, Jack and Ali Luchsinger; and her siblings, Truby LaGarde and Ben L. LaGarde II (Peggy). In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Paul Lambertson.

Honoring Barbara’s wishes, the family will receive visitors at Monocacy Crossing Restaurant, 4424A Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704, on Sunday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Barbara’s name to the Walnut Council or the ARCS Foundation.