The first of nine children, Barbara was born in Sparta, Wis., on Sept. 16, 1951, to Elton and Ellen Kuderer. Barbara’s life was a journey of purpose, passion, and creativity. She graduated from Fairmont High School and followed her own path, attending the University of Minnesota, where she majored in food science and nutrition.

Barbara married Michael Shpizner on June 13, 2015, and together they made San Francisco their home with their adorable Biewer Terrier, Ludo, who came after Aurora, Wolfie, Leo, Beau and Fanny – canines who were as loving as Barbara.

Barbara made her mark on the world through food–both as nourishment and as an expression of care and creativity. She began her professional journey as the Food Service Director in the Rochester, Minnesota, public schools, bringing innovation – and actual nutrition – to the meals served to young minds. Her career further flourished at General Mills, where she worked as the Test Kitchen Manager and in Technical Field Services.

From there, she brought her talents to Schwan’s, in San Diego, Calif., as Director of R&D, and ultimately to The Mattson Company in Foster City, Calif., the largest food consulting company in the United States. At Mattson, Barbara was instrumental in shaping the future of natural and organic food and beverage products, developing new lines that reflected both the changing tastes of the public and her own belief in wholesome, sustainable and honest nourishment. She wasn’t just creating food–she was creating possibilities.

Barbara filled her life with beauty, as reflected in her home, her pets, her choice in ceramics and visual art, and her searching and supportive dinner conversations. A feng shui expert skilled in face-reading, Barbara helped many improve the flow of chi in their homes and offices. Her insight, discerning taste and desire to “give the gift of what you know” left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. Her home was filled with the spirit of generosity, laughter, and the comforting smell of something delicious coming from her kitchen. All who gathered there found Barbara to be an ever-gracious host who curated fine social events and brought life and joy to the party. Barbara was a loving wife, devoted daughter, an amazing sister, a generous friend, a wise mentor, a patron of the arts, and a lover of life’s greatest gifts. A natural born outlier, her strength was unwavering through the challenges life sent her way. Even through her own struggles, Barbara always offered others space to confide and to share her belief in the power of

each of us to grow along the journey of life, and to be grateful for all the beautiful things we enjoy together.

Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life authentically lived, one that enriched the world in so many ways. Barbara’s legacy lives on in every meal shared in love, in every thoughtful innovation brought to the table, and in the hearts of those she inspired.

She is deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts. Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Elton, her nephew, David Marcaccini, and many extended family members on both sides of her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael, her stepchildren, Zachary and Cara, her mother, Ellen, her siblings, Greg, Laura, Jim, Marie, Patty, John, Katie and Bob, in-laws, and her many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, all of whom loved her dearly. In all the world, there will never be another person quite like Barbara.

A private celebration of life will be held by family and close friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to your local food bank.

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