Beatrice Anne Howard

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Beatrice Howard, who was born on 26 June 1966 and passed away on 27 August 2026 at her home in London.
Bea grew up in suburban Connecticut, together with her three siblings who were close in age. She attended school in the regional school district of Orange, CT. Bea had a comfortable upbringing and spent many hot summers by the pool in her best friend’s backyard. Holidays with the family were usually spent at the National Seashore at Cape Code, where she returned whenever possible continuing a family tradition. Bea spent two formative years at the Putney School in Vermont, a progressive boarding school in a rural environment, where she became a life-long vegetarian. She went on to university in 1984 at the liberal arts Trinity College in Hartford, CT, where her father was a professor of physics. The courses set her up for a career in biological sciences, which she pursued in the PhD program at Yale University where she worked on the developmental biology of cell wall formation in the thale cress, Arabidopsis. She graduated in 1995, which was also the year she moved to London with her future husband.

She got married in the same year and took a position at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) where she was a key member of the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robinson Centre since its foundation, initially as postdoc, and then building her own research team to study the molecular processes of embryonic breast development and the similarities with cell differentiation in breast cancer. She had good success with her research and inspired many young scientists around her (www.linkedin.com/posts/the-institute-of-cancer-research_beatrice-howard-celebrating-a-remarkable-activity-7463249820606943232-Mdc8). Bea also became an unlikely fashion icon in her efforts to fund raise for the ICR https://vimeo.com/260679542?fl=pl&fe=sh. She gradually had to step back from her leading position but joined the newly established Endocrinology team at the Centre, where she played a key role in advancing their work.

Bea and her husband lived many happy years together in London, with frequent short and long visits from family and friends abroad. They first lived in an old Victorian house in Bayswater, then moved to a modern riverside development in Battersea, before settling in Clapham Common where they have lived for the past 15 years. Sadly, Bea’s life was greatly affected by breast cancer, ironically the focus of her research. She was first diagnosed in 1997 and had to undergo surgery and long-term hormone treatment, then had a recurrence some ten years later, and finally was diagnosed with metastatic disease almost four years ago. Bea fought a hard battle, in particular once she was completely bed-ridden during the past nine months. Her remarkable resilience was probably due to her health-focused lifestyle, and particularly her yoga. She practiced Ashtanga and progressed to the 4th Series to the point where it was difficult to find qualified teachers in London.

Bea’s ambition and resilience have inspired many people. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.

Gallery

Memory wall

October 4, 2026

My deep condolencies

Ladislav

September 23, 2026

It is still hard for me to accept, that Beatrice is no longer with us.
Alfried, I am so sorry for your loss, may you find solace in your memories and strength
in the love surrounding you.
Thinking of you,
Hildy
Was man tief
in seinem Herzen besitzt
kann man nicht
durch den Tod verlieren

J.W. Goethe

Hildegard Perlman

September 18, 2026

Gestern las ich die traurige Nachricht in Gereons E-mail und möchte dir hier mein Beileid ausdrücken. Nur zweimal traf ich Bea - einmal waren wir essen im Monte in Viersen und einmal bei euch zu Hause in Krefeld - falls du dich erinnerst. Ich fand Bea - trotz Kurzbesuch - damals schon beeindruckend. Eine wirklich charismatische Frau.
Ich schließe euch in meine Gebete ein. Ine

Martina Elisabeth Hüser (Ine)

September 16, 2026

Bea was a beautiful soul with a wonderful sense of humor, always kind and thoughtful. The world is better because she was here. My sincere condolences

Tru

September 16, 2026

My sincere condolences to the family. I just found out and am deeply saddened by this news. Bea was a lovely lady and had kind words for everyone. I worked supporting her job role in facilities for The institute of Cancer Research and was where I knew her from.

Rest in peace beautiful soul.

Love Jacqueline

JACQUELINE CAMPBELL

September 10, 2026

So sad to hear about Bea’s passing. She taught me so much as my supervisor and had such a great impact on my professional life. I feel very fortunate to have worked with her and will always be grateful for her guidance, kindness and support.

My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. 🤍

Heena Das

September 9, 2026

So sad to hear this terrible news. I remember Bea as smart, funny and dedicated to her work - a real example for anyone working around her. She will be missed by so many, but fondly remembered.

Nev Young

September 9, 2026

I am so incredibly sad that our lovely, beautiful and kind Bea, whom I had the privilege of working with for more than 20 years, is no longer with us. My deepest condolences and love to Alfried and her family. She was not only a wonderful colleague, but also a dear friend and a true inspiration to me. I will miss her enormously. Rest in peace, dear Bea xx

Marjan Iravani

September 9, 2026

We had the privilege to work closely with Bea. She was a source of inspiration, always supportive, passionate, kind and smiling. She brought positivity to our lab meetings. We feel incredibly lucky to have learnt so much from her. We will miss you, Bea.
Our thoughts are with Alfried and family.

Brisken Lab

September 8, 2026

Bea was a true gem—wise, mindful, and beautiful lady. I feel very lucky to have had Bea as my manager for years. Our research discussions, shared passion for developmental biology, pints after work, chat about Yoga, butterflies and families—all of it brings Bea to my mind. Her resilience and strength through cancer were remarkable, and will continue inspiring us.
My thoughts are with Alfred and her family during this difficult time.

Naoko Kogata

September 8, 2026

It was an honour and a privilege to have known and worked alongside Bea for many years. We shared some great scientific discussions in some of the shared lab meetings that we held together for a while. I was always impressed by her knowledge of the fundamentals of the biology of breast development and her innate passion that inspired myself and many others around her. Her energy, enthusiasm and dedication to the work was second to none, and she always had a smile on her face no matter what was happening. We will miss you dearly Bea- rest in peace xxxx

Rachael Natrajan

September 8, 2026

I think Heaven has just received an Angel !
Peace to
Family & Loved ones

Cassandra Gilmore

September 8, 2026

The dignity and resilience that Bea and her husband Alfried have shown in the face of a terrible disease is truly humbling. Bea was looked up to by us all, and for so many reasons. They are so beautifully expressed in the comments of others. I will particularly remember her kindness, quietly delivered intellect and her resilience. She will continue to be an inspiration to me and others for years to come. Alfried explained that the fact that Bea felt lucky to be able to do what she did at the Breast Cancer Now Research Centre had kept her working to help others affected by breast cancer, despite her own disease progression. I think we all know we had the privilege of knowing and working with a truly remarkable human being. Thank you Bea. You live on with us at the Research Centre.

Andrew Tutt

September 7, 2026

Words cannot describe the sadness for losing a wonderful lady, like Bea. She was a brilliant scientist whose passion for research inspired us all. A remarkably kind soul with a beautiful unforgettable smile, who was always positive. I was privileged to work with her at the ICR but even more privileged to be her friend, to share some fun moments with her and to be touched by her kindness, warmth and grace. She will be missed, but never forgotten. My deepest condolences to Alfried and her family. Rest in peace beautiful Bea.

Aspasia Theodosiou

September 7, 2026

Bea was there on my very first day at the ICR, and I will always remember her kindness and her ability to make you feel calm and at ease. I feel very lucky to have spent these last years working alongside her and learning from her. She was never too busy to offer her help and support. Her passion, strength and spirit are things I will carry with me always. We miss you so much, Bea.

Flavia Hughes

September 7, 2026

I am so sad to hear about Bea's passing I know what a valued and passionate member of the Breast Cancer Research team at the ICR she was. My sincere condolences to all her family friends and former colleagues in the breast cancer research community.

Baroness Delyth Morgan

September 7, 2026

Such a long journey we had together - starting decades ago when Bea and Alfried met at Yale - seems like yesterday - yet with great, sadness the jouney is over too quickly. We will always remember Bea`s smile, her genuine generosity, her soft voice and her charisma. With great respect and gratitude we honour her achievements in science and over all - the way she lived her life. Just wished we had more time together - to sneak one more time into Wimbledon.

Our hearts and thoughts are with Alfried and his family and with Bea´s family.
Ruhe in Frieden Bea!
in Liebe,
Heike and Bernd

Heike Hadrys & Bernd Schierwater

September 6, 2026

I will always cherish the time I spent in the lab with Bea and her calm, positive attitude to living her best life. I have fond memories of running round Hyde Park in the rain together, kick boxing and circuits classes and, of course, evenings at The Anglesey. Bea’s grace in facing her health challenges was inspirational as I faced mine - and I will be forever thankful for her support.
Holding Alfried and all Bea’s friends and family in my thoughts. Rest well Bea.

Caro Head

September 5, 2026

It has been my privilege to have known Bea for many years, since the early days of Breakthrough. Quite simply one of the loveliest, gentlest and kindest people I have ever met, and a brilliant scientist as well. A tragic loss.

Matt Smalley

September 5, 2026

My deepest condolences. I met Bea when I started at Breakthrough in 2002, right away I was taken by her kindness and her ability to listen. I will miss you, Bea lots of love anita

Anita Grigoriadis

September 4, 2026

Lovely to have worked with Bea and the Friday nights at The Anglesey drinking pints and eating crisps 😊 Rest up lovely lady, you’ve done enough ❤️xx

Jill Williamson

September 4, 2026

Please see a beautiful tribute to Bea's career and professional life published today by the Institute of Cancer Research
www.icr.ac.uk/about-us/icr-news/detail/the-institute-of-cancer-research-remembers-dr-beatrice-howard

Alfried

September 4, 2026

All of us at Breast Cancer Now are so sorry to hear of Beatrice’s death, and send our deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Bea was there right at the start of the Research Centre, and has been part of the charity's story for so long. We are so grateful for all that she did in telling her own story, as well as for all her work on understanding breast cancer and improving the lives of many people affected by this disease.

Simon Vincent

September 4, 2026

I have been so privileged to have Bea at my side when I started at the ICR right into COVID. Bea made everything seem easy and was the good soul of the team. We spent many lovely afternoons together enjoying art exhibits in London, exploring coffee houses and talking politics. But she was not just talking, when the war broke out, she and Alfried hosted a young Ucranian family and helped them make a new life in the UK. Bea loved beauty and appreciated the good and simple things of life and was always in for a good laugh. She was such a positive, generous person and kept going without any complaints when the disease was taking its toll. We miss you dearly. My thoughts are with Alfried and family.

Cathrin Brisken

September 3, 2026

I was truely sad to learn this news about Bea. I left London after Alfried and Bea organized one farewell party in early 2006 at their previous beautiful modern apartment. It was really amazing to stay with Bea, Alfried and friends/lab members. However, I did not link Bea with cancer for this long time as she was studying it with her knowledge. Rest in peace, Bea!

To Alfried, at this sad moment, I do hope you stay strong as we are always standing together with you.

cd

September 3, 2026

I will always remember Bea’s bright smile and the good times we had together. She was so kind and pretty, and she really gave me the push to keep going. We hope heaven has no pain, so Bea can rest easy there. And we hope our dear teacher Alfried can get through this tough time soon, and stay healthy and happy for a long, long time.

Deyan Ge

September 3, 2026

Memory is the only paradise from which we cannot be expelled...

Johannes Krause

September 3, 2026

I am deeply saddened by Bea’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to Alfried and all who loved her. May the memories of her bring comfort and strength in the days ahead.

Pu Tang

September 3, 2026

I feel truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Bea over the past 2 years. She was a constant source of inspiration, kindness, and calm. I will always remember the positive presence she brought to our lab meetings and Journal clubs. Bea will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with Alfred and her family during this difficult time.

Pranay Dey

September 3, 2026

My sincere condolences to Bea's family and friends. Bea was a lovely lady and it was devastating to hear that she had passed. Bea was a great help to myself when I joined the ICR and was always a brilliant colleague.
May she Rest In Peace x

Peter John-Baptiste

September 2, 2026

Bea was an outstanding scholar and a truly warm, gentle, and wonderful person. Although I only had the privilege of meeting her a few times, I still vividly remember her voice, her smile, and the kindness she always showed me. She will be deeply missed and remembered with great fondness. After her long and difficult journey, may she now rest peacefully, free from all pain and suffering. May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. My deepest condolences to Alfried, and may he find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Rui-E Nie

September 2, 2026

Bea was an outstanding scholar and the great love of Alfried’s life. Her passing is deeply saddening. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Alfried, and take good care of yourself during this difficult time.

Xing-ke Yang

September 2, 2026

My sincere condolences. Bea was a devoted developmental biologist and breast cancer scientist whose passion, brilliance, fighting spirit and humanity were a true inspiration. I feel deeply honoured to have witnessed her remarkable contribution to science and to have known her as a colleague.

Pascal Meier

September 2, 2026

My deepest condolences. I worked closely with Bea, and she was not only an amazing scientist but also such a kind and shining person. I feel lucky to have known and worked with her. She will be deeply missed.

Samuel Jouny

September 2, 2026

Most heartfelt and deepest condolences to Prof. Alfried and family. May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace

M Tara

September 2, 2026

Bea, I feel truly grateful to have collaborated so closely with you over the past years. You were a constant source of inspiration, calmness, and kindness, and I will always remember your warmth, generosity, and the positive impact you had on those around you. You will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with you, Alfred and your family during this time.

George SFLOMOS

September 2, 2026

Bea was a wonderful colleague who I enjoyed working alongside very much. My condolences to all her nearest and dearest. She will be missed

Becky Marlow

September 2, 2026

It was a privilege to have worked alongside Bea at the ICR. Scientifically, she was a wealth of knowledge, and both myself and the team were incredibly lucky to have learnt so much from her. She was always so kind, supportive and generous with her time. She will be greatly missed.

Renee Flaherty

September 2, 2026

I feel very privileged to have shared an office with Bea at ICR. We had a lot of laughs together and I learnt so much from her scientifically, but above all else it was her kindness that stood out. She did so many things to help me and I will always be grateful to her for making my time at ICR easier, happier and more fun. RIP Bea.

Olivia Fletcher

September 2, 2026

Truly saddened to hear of Bea’s passing. She was a such a kind, passionate, and inspiring soul, and such a positive energy to be around. My heart goes out to Alfred and the family at this difficult time.

Yvonne Linton

September 1, 2026

It is so sad and heartbreaking when such a sweet person like Bea leaves
May Bea’s memory always be a blessing

Olha Savchenko

September 1, 2026

To Alfried
Your students, colleagues and postdocs, past and present, wish to convey their sincerest condolences at this sad time. From what we know of Bea, she was truly an inspirational female role model to all scientists, dedicated to her research and an amazing human being. We feel your loss and are here to support you in any way we can. To you and Bea's family and friends, we wish you fortitude for the times ahead, filled with only happy memories of Bea.

Vogler Lab Group

September 1, 2026

Deepest sympathy to Alfried and all those left behind, knowing her for a few months, one could feel the love and care you have for each other. May her soul rest in peace and God be with Alfried and his family.

Hriata Sailo

September 1, 2026

We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Professor Alfred and his family.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared and strength in the support of those around you.

With heartfelt condolences,
The Staff of the Natural History Museum & Research Centre, MZU

Natural History Museum & Research Centre

September 1, 2026

My deepest condolences. Rest in Peace Bea! You were such a wonderful, inspiring person. You had such an effortless calming presence in every room you entered. You were such an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with. Incredibly grateful for your mentorship and kindness and to witness your strength and courage. Your impact will never be forgotten! May your soul rest peacefully!

Anya Nicholas

September 1, 2026

May her soul rest in eternal peace. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy from Mizoram, India..

Lawmkima

September 1, 2026

Our sincere condolences. A remarkable life and an enduring legacy. May she rest in peace. 🙏

Benjamin

September 1, 2026

My deepest and most heartfelt condolences. I will always keep the fondest and happiest memories of Bea, an incredible human being and a truly wonderful and generous woman. Her beautiful smile, warmth and energy will be deeply missed.

Samia Elfekih

September 1, 2026

Our condolences, may her soul rest in peace. It was good to read about her life and contributions to research

Nachimuthu Senthil Kumar

September 1, 2026

May her soul rest in peace.. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. From Aizawl Mizoram

Vanlalpari

September 1, 2026

My deepest condolences. With love and prayer from Mizoram, India.

John Zothanzama

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