Behrmann, Barbara Ruth's Obituary
Barbara R. Behrmann
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Behrmann after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born on January 1, she was the first baby of the New Year in 1956 in Maui County. Barb died as she lived, on her own terms, on May 25, 2026.
Barbara was one of five children of Dr. Theodore(Ted) and Elizabeth(Beth) Behrmann. She was born in the old Puunene Hospital and grew up hiking the fields and gullies of upcountry Maui in Kula, barefoot and free under the Hawaiian sun, always looking for a magical fairyland in the secret places she explored on the mountainside.
After kindergarten at Kealahou School in Waiakoa, Barb spent twelve years at St. Anthony School in Wailuku. She initially attended Maui Community College and went on to receive an A.A. from Windward Community College and also attended the Manoa campus of the University of Hawaii. Later she received a Certificate of Achievement from Maui Community College Department of Nursing.
Barb moved up to Seattle for a few years where she became involved in elder care. She remained in Seattle until her parents asked her to return to Maui and help them in their declining years.
A recovering addict, Barbara joined NA, carrying the message to others for many years. She would have celebrated 39 years clean in July.
Barb was hilarious, kind to a fault and always ready to help a friend in need. She loved a good joke (especially the blue ones!) and was a raconteur of the first order. She could make you laugh so hard your face would hurt and she could talk story for hours. She loved the ocean and among her accomplishments was a SCUBA diving certification that allowed her to explore the beautiful waters surrounding her home, seeking fish, tako and shells. She spent a lot of time at the family house in Keanae (later her house) and it will be there that the family returns her ashes to the sea.
The great love of Barb’s life was her “critters”. She was devoted to her animals and they to her. Dogs, cats, birds, horses, chameleons, all played a big part in her life and she was always there to foster an animal that needed help. She also loved to garden, especially flowers, creating beauty with water and soil.
Barb is predeceased by her beloved son Austin J. Perreira, who got his enormous love for animals from his mother. She is survived by her 'Ohana; brother Ted and sister Anne, her hānai daughter Debbie Tom and 7 hānai grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Barbara’s friend and housemate, Debbie Redd, for the kindness and care she gave to Barbara in her waning days.
Barb was a kind, funny, special person who will be remembered by all who knew her and eternally missed by those who loved her. Any memorials may be made to The Austin Fund at the Maui Humane Society or Hospice Maui.
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