A Celebration Of Life is scheduled to be held in Santa Cruz this Saturday for Irene Osterbrock. She was not only the widow of former Lick Observatory Director Donald Osterbrock, but had her own background with observatories, and was a long-time U.C. – Santa Cruz library volunteer, patron of Astronomy, and supporter of early-career scientists. In 2011 Irene was named “Patron” of the American Astronomical Society. The Osterbrocks also supported local artists, as well as the Jewel Theater, and the Santa Cruz Symphony. After Donald Osterbrock’s death in 2007, Irene established the Donald And Irene Osterbrock Leadership Program, which provides U.C.-Santa Cruz Astronomy graduate students with mentors, and funding for projects that develop leadership skills. The Celebration Of Irene Osterbrock’s Life is slated to begin at 2 p.m. this Saturday, in the Peace United Church Of Christ, which is located at 900 High Street in Santa Cruz.
