Barbara M. Ostert

Barbara M. Ostert passed away October 18, 2023. She was pre-deceased by her sisters: Mary Anne Geary, Rosemary Bauer, Connie Abel, and Dorothy Peceny; and brothers, Leo Ostert and Richard Ostert. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was born May 2, 1930 in Sioux City IA, the sixth of seven children, to Anna, nee Schneiders and Leo Ostert.
Barbara moved to Chicago when she was 15 to live with her sister Dorothy after the death of their mother. After graduating from Holy Name Cathedral High School (and a part time job making chocolates!), she went to work for Arbogast and Holldorf, fine jewelers in downtown Chicago. She spent over 40 years at the company as the Executive Secretary, decorator, and bookkeeper. During this time, she took night courses in several different subjects at DePaul University.
After her retirement from full time work, she took a part time position with Ellie Thompson Jewelers, which she soon left for the favorite job of her life, nanny for baby, Lindsay Thompson. So, as Ellie would say, she skipped the parent part and went right to the grandparent part of life. It was a decision that gave her endless joy and love and happiness.
For her family, she hosted many holiday dinners at her high-rise apartment which was a thrill to her suburban nieces and nephews. She was a favored aunt and second mother to us. Lots of thoughtful Christmas gifts and birthday gifts too numerous to mention. Although she herself was not a fan of the sun, she did allow her nieces to sunbathe on the roof of the building. What a view and what a treat! But it did get hot.
Her cocktail parties for her Kappa Club church group were legendary. She would pack 30-40 people into her studio apartment through the evening and do all the cooking for the event in her apartment kitchen.
Her volunteer work was varied and extensive. She kept the books for friends who opened up a coffee shop; worked on Cardinal Stritch fundraisers for the blind; spent many years visiting elderly shut-ins through the Little Brothers of the Poor; worked with the Brothers on holiday meals; made lunch for many years for AIDS patients staying at a now closed convent in Lakeview; worked for a while at the Lakeview Food Pantry; and had a long list of charitable organizations she contributed to.
Until a week before her death, with macular degeneration slowing her down, and sciatica pain in her leg, she still walked to the Jewel for food shopping; the bank for cash; and Walgreens for sundries. She took care of her home and herself and was independent to the end. She died at home as she had hoped she would and left a legacy of strength and hope for all who knew her. Though she could cuss like a sailor (both brothers and one sister were in the Navy!) she was kind and thoughtful and lots of fun. We are lucky to have known her. Her example will be a guide for us as we move on in the world without her.
Celebration of Life pending.