Alice N. Schwartz

Alice Schwartz was born in 1926 to Rena and Fred Ogilvie and raised in Three Rivers, CA.

An avid scholar from an early age, she also enjoyed spending time outdoors among the redwoods, visiting Atwell Mill, dancing, and ice skating.

Alice graduated from Woodlake High School in 1944, and moved to the Bay Area to attend an intensive course in analytical chemistry at Stanford, which led to a job at Shell Oil. She studied biochemistry at UC Berkeley, where her meticulous notetaking caught the eye of an adventurous, chronically late, Harley-riding New Yorker, David Schwartz. As in chemistry, opposites attract. David and Alice married in 1949, and their first son, Norman, was born a year later, soon followed by Eric and Steven.

In 1952, David and Alice founded Bio-Rad Laboratories with $720 in savings. David managed sales and outreach, while Alice developed products and managed finances. With keen analytical skills, financial acumen, and quiet reserve, she balanced David’s outgoing nature, can-do attitude, and fearless optimism. Alice was a member of the board of directors until 2022. In 2015, the Schwartz family established the Alles Institute for Medical Research. Alice was active in the planning and funding of the Institute, and served as its Chairperson.

Alice was an accomplished gardener and watercolorist, and enjoyed trips to mountains and the southwest to see beautiful landscapes.

Alice is survived by sons Norman (Adria) and Steven (Amy), and grandchildren Allison and Julia. She is predeceased by husband David and son Eric.

Alice’s legacy lives on through her contributions to the scientific community.
A memorial service will be held in November. For details, contact aliceschwartzmemorial@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting a scientific research nonprofit.