Barbara Jean Balestreri

May 7, 1941 - January 11, 2021

It is with deep sadness that our family shares the news of Barbara’s (Beany’s) peaceful passing last Monday in San Francisco. She was born to James and Mildred Balestreri and spent her lifetime in San Francisco. We have lost a most loving, gentle, and kind soul. Her passion was teaching children, and she put her bachelor’s degree in education from USF to good use. She taught for over 35 years, mostly in the SFUSD, where she made many friends among coworkers and students (some of whom she kept in touch with over the years). She was also lifelong friends with a number of Presentation Sisters. A sports enthusiast, she loved her SF 49ers and Golden State Warriors. Barbara had a love of nature and spent as much time as possible at their cabin in the woods. Her favorite pastimes were gardening, photography, music and engaging in discussions about current events. She could break into song at ANY moment. The love of her family was very important to her. She is survived by her life partner of 45 years, Janet, brothers James and Tony, and sister Sandra (Jeannette), nieces and nephews: including Susan Balestreri Pearson (Mark), Lisa Balestreri, Christina Balestreri Heninger (Scott), Presley Balestreri and many grand-nephews and grandnieces. She is preceded in death by her parents, Aunt Evie, brother Steve, nephew Tony Balestreri Jr. and sisterin-law Leslie Balestreri. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association, the SF SPCA, the Sierra Club, or an organization of your choice. Due to the coronavirus, we are unable to hold a religious funeral and visitation at this time. Janet would like to thank everyone for their love and support over the years.