Barbara Ravizza Osterweis

September 11, 1941 - January 13, 2023

San Francisco Barbara died peacefully in her sleep early Friday, January 13, 2023. The cause of death was acute myeloid leukemia. At the time, she was also afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease.

Barbara was born on September 11, 1941, in Yakima, Washington. She was raised in Walnut Creek, California. From an early age, Barbara exhibited great artistic talent and trained to be an artist. She attended California College of Arts & Crafts (today called California College of Art) and later graduated from San Jose State with a Bachelor of Arts. After graduation, Barbara pursued fine art and worked as a book designer for several leading publishing firms. Professionally she was known as Barbara Ravizza.

Following the death of her first husband, Mike Ravizza, Barbara married John Osterweis, a prominent Bay Area investment manager and philanthropist. They shared many common interests including a love of horses and the arts. At that point, Barbara was able to devote her talents exclusively to fine art. Most of her work involved the human figure. She developed a variety of styles. In the later years, she produced large works using oil sticks instead of brushes. This allowed her to produce works of great energy. She exhibited at several galleries and in several museums.

With her husband, John, they supported numerous organizations in education, environment, and the arts. Barbara served on the boards of the Contemporary Jewish Museum and the S.F. Conservatory of Music. Her philanthropy reflected her profound kindness and compassion. Her gracefulness and sunny disposition brightened many lives.

An exhibition of her work at Toby’s Feed Barn in Pt. Reyes Station was planned before her death and will run the entire month of April 2023.

Barbara is survived by her husband, John Osterweis, her son Mikel Ravizza, sister Ritzie Cracker, and her stepchildren Ariel Osterweis, Max Osterweis, and their families. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to California College of Art, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music or Summer Search.

Assisted by: Monte’s Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo, CA.