Barbara Ann Saitz

Barbara passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2022 at the age of 89, in her Rolph St. home of 61 years. She passed from natural causes (after recovering, cancer free, from a mastectomy). She was a very practical person, and kept her sense of humor until the time of her passing.

Born in Milwaukee WI, to Clement and Lillian Smrz, she grew up with her brothers, Jim and Jerry. She graduated from St Mary’s school of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1954. She moved to San Francisco with fellow nurses in 1958, and was introduced to Joseph Saitz Jr. They were married on June 20, 1959, and had 4 children.

She was a wonderful Mother to Paul (Patricia), Karen (David) Andrew, and David (Sandra). She was a very loving Grandmother to Thomas, Tony, Katie Rose, Audrey, Victoria and James. Mom - and Dad- were the best babysitters for all of the kids. She enjoyed her time with her great granddaughter Natalie. Beloved Aunt to Mary Rose, Regina, Jessica, Leah, Jeanne, Tim, Tracy, Pat, Dale, Mike and Lynda and loved as “adopted” Mom or Grandma to many of her children’s – and grandchildren’s - friends.

She will be forever in our hearts, watching over us from Heaven.

Barbara was very active in her Church, Epiphany, including the Guild and PTA. She was also involved with Sacred Heart and ICA during all the high school years, serving on boards, cooking at dinners and working on many fundraisers. She volunteered at Dolgers senior center and at Martin De Porres until 2020. She stopped nursing when Paul was born and raised her family. When all the children were in school, she worked part time at a deli and then at Macy’s phone order dept, until she retired.

Barbara was a prolific letter-writer, keeping in contact with everyone! She prayed daily for so many people… She was always busy, always in a happy mood. She enjoyed baking, crocheting, playing cards and games, needlepoint, word puzzles, bingo with her friends and of course, knitting. Lots of baby sweaters and many of us have received warm knitted “Mom socks”. She is known to Sandra’s classes as “Grandma Saitz” as for many years she made them pins and treats.

She is predeceased by her loving husband Joseph (2017), and brother Jim. Thank you to all who called, visited or sent cards while Mom was home. She enjoyed and appreciated every single one.

Her funeral Mass will be on Wednesday August 10th, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Church of the Epiphany, 827 Vienna St in San Francisco.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to martindeporres. org or MDP Foundation 225 Potrero Ave., SF 94103