Barbara Ottolini

Ottolini, Barbara

gently and peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 20th 2021 after courageously battling pancreatic cancer with dignity and grace – the same way she led her life. She was 77 years old. Born and raised in Saint Louis, Barbara was a kind and loving woman, friend to many, a mother, daughter, sister, wife, Nonna, and matriarch to her entire family.

Barbara was surely greeted by her predeceased husband Jim whom she met in college. Always his best audience, Barb is probably laughing with Jim as you read this. Together they built a life and a family with three children: Elisabeth (Wesley), James (Erika), and Cady (Patrick). She will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren Michelle, Isabella, Grace, Sofia and Seamus. She is survived by her two siblings Mary (Bill) and Leo "Bud" (Cathy), sisters in law Rosemary Ottolini Miller and Debbie Mancini Reber, as well as her aunt Sister Rose Margaret Wessels. The list of relatives and close friends extends well beyond measure. While the loss of her life is immense, so too is the love and influence she gave to all who knew her.

Barb excelled at anything on which she set her sights. An excellent student in the course of life, she still had close ties to friends from St. John's High School. She studied Mathematics at Saint Louis University where she first met Jim. She later studied Fine Arts at Maryville University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and was recognized for outstanding academic achievement. She was a 'search engine' before they existed. She used her intelligence as a gift to all by teaching, volunteering, and leading those she encountered to discover their own passions and interests. She served in office with Saint John's Hospital Auxiliary, St. John's Antique Show, The Saint Louis Herb Society, Women's Caucus for Art, The Continental OB/GYN Society, The National Society of Arts and Letters, The Wednesday Club, and The Artist's Presentation Society. She was a longtime supporter of The Saint Louis Symphony, The Opera Theater of Saint Louis, The Repertory Theater, The Shakespeare Festival and The Missouri Botanical Garden.

Barb was passionate about the quality and preservation of well-crafted items. She worked for years with the St. John's Auxiliary chairing the Antique Show as well as making quilts for their annual auction. She owned and operated The Shaker Tree Antique Store with friends and was an active member in The Questers – an historic preservation, restoration and education society. As a very prolific artist, she published and made books as well as one-of-a-kind graphic designs which tied in with her other areas of passionate interest. Barb would always bring that extra little touch of effort with her signature care and devotion to excellence. Her skills as a painter seemed to come naturally and she poured herself into any subject and media which caught her focus. She was an excellent cook and gardener which she expressed both at home and with The St. Louis Herb Society, Missouri Botanical Garden, Gateway Greening, and countless workshops over the years.

Barb played piano for most of her life from a very young age to the enjoyment of family, friends, fellow parishioners, and musicians. She played in the choir, helped start a children's choir and played the organ for thousands of masses, funerals and weddings at St. Anselm parish. She also played at St. Richard parish in more recent years. She thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie of playing with the Missouri Chamber Music Society and their Pro-Am performances. She held the honor of being a board member for The Cathedral Concerts at The Saint Louis Basilica. Barb was also a devout Catholic, spiritual scholar and student of multiple faiths and perspectives. She was an awarded Jungian Scholar and always leaned into the discovery and unfolding of life and associated meanings. She was buoyant, curious, calm and had a keen wry sense of humor. Her love, cheerful influence and legacy leave ripples throughout the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

Services: A visitation will be held at Ortmann Stipanovich 12/20 from 3 to 8pm. A memorial service will be held 12/21 at 11am at St. Anselm followed by interment at Jefferson Barracks.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Louis Herb Society or Cathedral Concerts of the Cathedral Basilica are welcome.

Saint Louis Herb Society, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110.

https://cathedralconcerts.org/product-category/donations/