Natalie O’Byrne

Natalie Bernadette Kwasneski O’Byrne was born on November 29, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York to her parents Jeanette and Julian. She married William Francis O’Byrne (now deceased) on June 13, 1959 and together they moved to California to build a family.

Natalie, one of only six women in her medical school class at State University of New York, Brooklyn, started her professional career as a pediatrician but realized quickly that she was deeply interested in child development and family relationships. She decided to move in the direction of psychiatry and established a thriving psychiatry practice in Marin County. She was deeply committed to her patients. In her five decades as a psychiatrist, Natalie treated thousands of patients, giving each and every one her focused attention and care. Her patients felt her deep engagement and support. Natalie also held an associate professor position at UCSF where she helped train new generations of clinicians. She lectured extensively throughout the Bay Area on issues related to child development, parenting and school adjustment. Natalie had a deep appreciation for the role of competence in building children’s self esteem and as such her work included frequent consultation with her esteemed colleagues and friends in the areas of education and school administration.

Though Dr. Natalie O’Byrne had many professional accomplishments, she would have told you that her greatest by far was her family. Nothing was more important to her than her children, grandchildren, and the many “adopted” family members she collected along the way. She was always trying to figure out how she could be helpful, offering advice, making connections between people and sharing wisdom. When she wasn’t working, she was almost always with a family member. Once the grandchildren came along, “Baci” spent most of her recreational time with them. Whether babysitting at her house, picking them up from school or karate, or

supervising homework, Natalie was a “hands on” grandma. With five children and their spouses: Cecily and Marcus, Matthew and Robynne, Stephanie and Alan, Gabrielle and John, and Luke and Jenni; and 11 grandchildren to love and care for: Connor, Dylan, Brendan, Nathan, Sam, Nicole, Cameron, Julian, Natalie, Tyler and Mason, Natalie’s life was full.

Natalie was also deeply connected with her extended family. She and her loving brother, Bob, (now deceased) were very close, as were she and her dear sister-in-law and best friend, Marianne. Natalie had deep and loving connections with her nieces and nephews, Julian, Suzanne, Ann, and Kirsten and their spouses, along with

their wonderful children: Aidan, Kiki, Sophie, Claire, Fiona, Haley, Andrew, Bennet, Robert, and Devon, who also loved and cherished Baci. She was also close with and deeply loved by her nephew Julian’s wife, Lisa Hilgers.

Tradition was very important to Natalie, and even as her immediate family swelled through marriage and birth of so many grandchildren, she did her best to maintain precious rituals and celebrations, Polish and otherwise, throughout her life. Natalie’s view was always: the more the merrier, and over the years many a family friend were welcomed into the holiday cheer!

More than anything, Natalie was a giver. She enriched the lives of others and cared for each and every family member, friend, patient, and colleague in unique ways. She was an observer - she paid attention and listened actively and carefully. She was not gregarious, but was engaged. She made everyone feel special and valued. Her love, attention, and wisdom will be deeply missed. Natalie passed away peacefully on August 22, 2021 in the company of family.

Due to COVID restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held in early 2022. An announcement will be made in advance of the event.