Novato, CA

Barbara Joanne (Bianchi) Picetti passed away peacefully on October 28, 2022 with loving family at her side.

Barbara was born on August 11, 1932 in San Francisco, to Reynald Bianchi and Bertha (Goodrick) Bianchi. She was the oldest of two children. Her father was the first Italian-American to become district attorney of San Francisco. She and her brother Rey attended Catholic schools all the way through college. Rey became a priest in the Maryknoll order and Barbara graduated from St. Rose with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a teaching credential. She was honored with membership in the exclusive Catholic sorority “Children of Mary” for her outstanding dedication to her Catholic faith.

Barbara met Joseph Picetti through mutual family friends when she was 19 years old. They enjoyed a loving and long 60 year marriage and raised their 3 children in Greenbrae. Early in their marriage, Barbara taught 1st and 2nd grade at Larkspur Corte Madera School and supported Joseph while he built his insurance business Agents Brokers Consolidated. Later in their marriage she volunteered at Greenbrae Elementary school where she tutored children in Math and English. Together they built and enjoyed homes in Greenbrae, Tahoe, and Geyserville, and later retired in Novato. They were always the entertainers amongst their family and friends, hosting wonderful parties with lots of laughter and great food!

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and talented homemaker. She loved old movies, reading biographies, gardening, traveling and playing Pedro with friends. Barbara was a woman of extraordinary kindness, patience, serenity, cheerfulness, consistency and grace. She had a smile that could light up the room and she showered her warmth and love on everyone she knew. She was a woman who truly lived her faith.

Barbara will be remembered and missed by so many: her three children, Suzanne, Peter and Steven; daughters-in-law Judy and Jenni; son-in-law Teddy; grandchildren Dominic, Tyler and Hayley; granddaughter-in-law Sofia; nieces Lorien, Gina, Bethy; nephew John; and brother Reynald Bianchi Jr. She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph Nicholas Picetti.

A private Celebration of Life will be held with family and friends on December 10, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.