Barbara Rowley BEHRENS

BEHRENS, Barbara Rowley (Stomgren) Barbara Rowley (Stromgren) Behrens, 87, passed away Monday, (March 15, 2010) at the McLean Home in Simsbury after an extended illness. She was born August 7, 1922, in the Pendelton Hospital in Granby, daughter of the late Arvid and Doris (Rowley) Stromgren of West Simsbury. A graduate of Simsbury High School, she attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education in 1944 and was a member of Alpha Phi Sigma and Alpha Tau Pi Honorary Societies. She married her childhood sweetheart, the late Charles William Behrens after his return from military service in World War II. Soon after their marriage they settled on the family farm in West Simsbury. Barbara taught in several area schools, most recently as a Kindergarten Teacher at the Renbrook School in West Hartford. A life long member of First Church of Christ in Simsbury, she served on many boards and taught Sunday School. Barbara was also a member of the Abigail Phelps Chapter of the NSDAR where she held several positions including Regent, the Home Arts Group of Simsbury and was a member of several discussion and book groups. Barbara was descended from one of the original settlers of Simsbury and the founders of First Church. She was also predeceased by her brother, Lt. Bernard S. Stormgren who died in military service. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine of Simsbury; her son and daughter-in-law, Shep and Mary of Southington; her niece, Diane Slack of New Mexico; her nephew, Paul Slack and his wife, Eileen, of Colorado; as well as many other family members and dear friends. Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, Friday, March 19, from 4-6 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20, 11 a.m., at the First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury with the Reverend Kevin Weikel officiating. Private burial will be in Simsbury Cemetery. Memorial donations may be sent to First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT 06070 or to the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department, 871 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT 06070. For online condolences please visit www.vincentfuneralhome.com.