Resident of Los Gatos

With sadness, we announce the passing of Barbara Florence Michelmann Bernasconi. Barbara was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, on May 29, 1937, as the only child to Hans Michelmann and Florence Meyer Michelmann.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Barbara drove with a friend to San Francisco where she got a job at Macy’s in Union Square.

She then went on to earn aMaster's degree in British and American Literature from Stanford University in 1961. After a short stint teaching English at Southern Oregon College, she got a job teaching at Foothill/De Anza College.

There, she met Robert Bernasconi. They married and raised their children in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Los Gatos, CA.

Barbara had many passions. She was a great reader and was intwo book clubs, one of which she started and that has remained strong for over 30 years. She loved theater and traveled many summers to Ashland, OR to attend plays at the annual Shakespeare Festival. She also loved to explore other cultures and visited many countries including in Europe, Africa and South and Central America.

One standout trip for her was with a birdwatching group to Costa Rica. She loved nature and animals and shared her life with many beloved pets. Barbara loved horseback riding and was also on a softball team and a bowling team!

Barbara was well loved by many. Her kindness, generosity, sense of humor and adventurous spirit will be dearly missed.

Barbara is survived by her children Risa Ann Bernasconi (Gary), Laura Rae Bernasconi (Greg) and Brian Robert Bernasconi (Christina) and four grandchildren Grant Maruya, Nikki Maruya, Dominic Bernasconi and Maia Bernasconi. A private celebration of life has already been held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Audubon Society.