My sister, my friend. Always missed.
Karen

Kay (Young) Smith
So sad to know of Barb's passing.

I did not know of Barbara passing until last week.  I think the last time we really were able to talk must have been when Tani and my son Andy (Costello) were in eighth grade at La Salle.  But the first time was years before at the soccer fields when the kids were in first or second grade.  Barbara came up and introduced herself to me.  She was so warm and outgoing that you felt like you had known her all your life.  I always appreciated our chats out in the soccer fields especially because she always cut to the chase.  Our conversations were never about meaningless nothings.  I am sorry to have missed the opportunity to pay my last respects to a great and genuine person.  Please know that you are in my thoughts.

Barb had one of those personalities that you never forget! She was petite but powerful. This was a woman who knew how to stand up for herself and she would be the first to stand up for her friends and family. I remember that it wasn't easy to get to know Barb at first but once you knew her, you loved her. One of my favorite things about Barb is that she really kept in touch with her friends. Even before email and before facebook even existed, Barb kept track of all of us HWA alumni and helped us connect with each other. Behind that stoic exterior was a heart of gold. Barb, you will be missed greatly. Love you, Girl!

My deepest sympathy to the Otsuji and Nelson families.  My name is Susan Azoo McKowen daughter of the late Paula Azoo.  Paula sold the house on Kemper to Sally and Mitsuru.

I knew Barb for a short time at HWA in the late 70's. I remember seeing her coming out of the slide room (my desk was near the slide room) with her bag over one shoulder walking on her tip toes. She was always light on her feet and broad with her smile. 
Rest in Peace!

I remember working with Mark Zinni, cutting a round hole into the wall of the slide library, allowing light to shine in and Barb's radiant smile to glow out.  My best wishes and prayers go out to her family.

Life is so unfair sometimes, it's too early to miss Barb!  She was a wonderful organizer, ferocious baseball player and well-loved participant in all of HWA.

It has been 20 years since I saw Barb but I only have pleasant memories of her and her family at their store and in the office. My God continue to bless all of her family.

Barb was like a member of the family for my children, their mother and me.  She will be missed more than my words can express.

My heartfelt prayers to Barbara's family.  I was neighbors with Mitsi and Sally, and have many fond memories of the Otsujis.  I hope that you find healing through these next days and weeks.

They say that 'Living well is the best revenge'.
Barbara defied all the odds and did just that.
She was one tough lady!
And she was not only the keeper of the HWA list - she was a keeper of the HWA flame.
My deepest sympathies are with her entire family - including her HWA family of friends.
Heaven knows I will miss her.

Barb - Such a fine, loyal friend. Always
there for everyone.

Our sympathies to Barb's family and friends. To me, she always seemed incredibly upbeat and more interested in others than dwelling on her own significant health problems. She organized Harry Weese as well as the many alums of HWA. Her clear handwriting is on just about every HWA project image now residing at the Chicago History Museum. We will remember her well.

Barb's presence filled my HWA memories.  She will be missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family and friends.

We miss you, Barb. Thanks for your generosity and all that you did bring us together.

As a new kid on the block at my first job, Barb took me under her wing and helped me settle in at HWA....she was always someone I could turn to and would always give me a smile!


Jim Mitchell
Denver, Colorado

I knew Barb, but unfortunately never got to know Barb. I will always remember her smile though. 
She will be missed.

I have good memories of Barb although many years have  gone by since I knew her at HWA.  My condolences to her family.

Aug. 5, 2012

Barb was a genuine, kind and caring person. I remember her beautiful lettering on all of the HWA slides which she archived. Seeing her on occasions later, she always exuded warmth and love for all of us who had been at HWA with her. My heartfelt condolences to Mits and Sally and the Otsugi family.

Joe Karr, Chicago

I worked with Barbara Otsuji at Harry Weese's office in the late seventies. She has a wonderfully calm and sincere and bemused spirit that lightened and enlightened that community. When the office had T-shirts printed for the softball team, she showed me how to properly fold them. Ever since, which is to say, for 34 years, i have thought of Barb every time i folded a shirt, which has never failed to give me a quiet, knowing smile. :) Barb, you have helped me find grace and joy in unlikely places for most of my adult life. Thank you. Thank you.

It has been so many years since I saw or talked with Barb but I only have fond memories of her and her family, both in and outside of the office. My condelences to all of her family.

It has been a long time since I worked at HWA, but the young, energetic, funny, and endearing woman I knew then came right back to me when Marj told me that she had died.  To her family especially, and her many friends, you were blessed to have her in your lives.

Barbie was such a dear friend to me with a great caring heart.I have a lot of special memories of our times together like when she tried to teach me some Japanese before my trips there. Bless you.

Always a kind word and what a great sense of humor.

I have fond memories of Barbie when we were younger and she was Karen's little sister. My thoughts go out to your family knowing how especially difficult it is to loose a wife, a mother, a sister and your daughter. Sally,Mits and Karen your are in my thoughts and prayers

 What a wonderful, thoughtful person Barbara was. I called her Babs which was a tag from Tom Devine, one that she was not fond of, but she would alway let go with her infectious laugh. I would chat with her from time to time. She always asked about my family and my health.  When I asked her about hers, she would reply " You know, I should have been gone a long time ago."  It is difficult to believe. Particularly so shortly after our most recent gathering . Best to all, Fritz

I also met Barb at HWA but I didn't really get to know her as I left the firm and Chicago shortly thereafter so my impression of her remained fixed until I read her obituary. I was amazed that an entire life had transpired during that time - hers and mine. I'm sad for her family's loss but I'm glad to have reconnected with a few of that special group from HWA. Barb is the one up on the catwalk.

A life well lived, Barb.  I wish you were here to see how many friends you have!

To the Otsujis- Just heard the sad news. So sorry to hear about Barbara. Fond memories visiting the family and hanging with Gail. Take care. Love, Bambi

Tani and Family,

I was very saddened to hear of your loss and suddeness of it. I only hope that you and your family can be there for each other to help you cope with her loss.  I did not know anyone in your family but if you are reflection of them with your values, principles, and honesty and integrity, I am sure she was a great woman.  Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad time.  God Bless you.  The Bell's Chris, Kathy, Kailin and Hannah.

When I first met Barb at HWA.......I saw this cute, quite little girl and my first thought was these  Architects are going to eat this little girl up and spit her out BUT oh boy was I wrong.  Barb also this wonderful quirky kid who put those crazy architects in there place with a look no words needed.  I just loved her and I am so happy that she was part of that HWA world.  She will be missed but never forgotten.  
C

Barbara was a great lady.. Thoughts and prayers to all the Otsuji family & friends.

Dearest Gail and Otsuji Family, I know your hearts are breaking. Barbara was a wonderful, caring person who was full of spunk and humor and humanity. When Gail and I were working on community outreach events at WTTW, Barbara was so very supportive and jumped right in whenever she thought she could be helpful. That's how I met her children and what a legacy of love she leaves with them. When I think about what I learned from her, it would be to just say what you mean and to live with a certain zest for life. You are all in my prayers.  Much love, Katherine

I am so saddened to hear of Barb's passing. My thoughts and prayers to Peter,the kids and Barb's family. Take comfort in knowing that Barb's Spirit lives forever.
My deepest sympathy,
Judy

To Sally and Mitz, Mrs. Wekerle sends her deepest condolences.  The entire Wekerle family feels deeply sadened by this unexpected news.

My deepest condolences to all of Barb's family. She will be missed by all of us from Texas, BCBSTX. 
Mark Chutchian

All my Prayers and my Condolences go out to Barb's family and friends. We all that knew Barb from her career at Blue Cross will miss her dearly, she was such a wonderful person, she's left behind a trail of wonderful memories. Rest her Soul. 

Carmen B. Rosa

I've known Barbara and the Otsuji family since I was a little girl, our family grew up with theirs, we all went to Lincoln School.  Later in my life I had the priviledge of reconnecting with and having Barb as my real estate broker when my husband and I were looking for a house in Chicago, I remember the good advise she always gave, always went out of her way to meet us at a house to look at and her smiling face.  My deepest sympathies to the entire Otsuji family, may time help to heal the pain you have right now.
With love, 
Janice Wekerle, Fay

Barb, 
Thank you for showing me how to be kind, genuine, & inspiring.  I didn't know you long, but as others have said, that didn't get in the way of the lasting imprint you've left on all of us.  Will miss your smile immensely.  May loving peace find you and your family.  Love, Amy

Meeting Barb was one of the most memorable experiences I recall working at BSBSIL during the expansion project.  Witty, honest, smart.  She spoke often fondly and passionately of her family and her work.  She was strong-willed, determined.  My deepest sympathies to her friends and family.  Barb may be gone but I believe there is one, new, very brilliant star up in heaven.

Barb was a part of an important time in my life when we were young, idealistic and care free.  My condolences to the family.

Barb,
You were the first of Susies friends for me to meet.  Your warmth and welcoming smile confirmed for me a new and everlasting friendship.  You will alway be in our hearts.
Love,
Chuck

Barb is a fond memory from many, many years ago when we were all young and single.  In this time of sadness for her family and those who love her now, she has brought me joy through reconnecting with friends from the past and special memories.  I realized that I still wear jewelry that Barb helped me buy...and now I will always think of her when I wear it.  She lives on with those who love her!

The dictionary says “friend” means “to love” and Barb truly gave me love from the time I met her as a young 19 year old girl.  Words can never express how much I will miss you my little "Chicago" sister.  Susie

I love you so much this hurts ... I promise you I will honor your wishes.  ditto Bar Bar, love you Gail

Barb was a very nice person,  always smiling... Now she is with God and smiling with him.  Condolence to her family/friends.

BCBSIL, Yaya

I am truly sorry for your loss.  I know Barbara from work.  I've known her for many years.  We shared pug stories.  She once told me a story of her pug that ran off the 3rd floor porch, so she had a flying pug!  And the dog was okay.  About a month ago, someone left a pug book on my desk. Her coworker had put it on my desk I fould out later.  It was from Barb.  I'll always keep this book.
I hope time will heal your wounds & you will remember all good times with her..

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Barbara Shizuko Otsuji

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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