Barbara Ann Perina

Barbara Ann (Irwin) Perina, 85, passed away peacefully Jan. 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Joseph Perina, with whom she raised three daughters A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m., at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 501 N. Saginaw St., Durand, MI 48429. Father Santhiyagu Arockiyasamy will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Gaines, Michigan.
Barbara was born in Michigan on Jan. 22, 1940, to Andrew and Marguerite (Haviland) Irwin and grew up in Durand. During her school years, Barbara played clarinet and drums in the band. She married Joseph in 1965, and they welcomed their daughters Anne, Sandy, and Monica. In 1975, Barbara and her family moved to Aston, Pennsylvania where she devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mom. She was very active in the Chichester Band Parents Association, holding various leadership positions while supporting her daughters as they participated in the band during their time at Chichester School District. Later in life, Barbara returned to the workforce and eventually retired as an office manager from Penske.
Barbara always enjoyed keeping busy. After retirement, she joined her eldest daughter in Key West, where she took charge of managing Anne's business, the Speakeasy Inn & Rum Bar. From 2009 to 2016, Barbara not only managed the Inn to remarkable success, but she became its heart and soul. She was a warm and welcoming presence that kept guests coming back time and again. She once again retired to Delaware, where she shared a home with her daughter Sandy, and her beloved dog Maggie.
Barbara's Pennsylvania and Delaware neighbors will fondly remember her as a steadfast friend who was generous with her time, and whose talent for delicious homemade food made any invitation to her home a must-attend event. Her guests at the Speakeasy Inn still talk about her delicious banana bread.
She is survived by her children Anne Perina, Sandy Austin, and Monica Perina; her granddaughter Megan Austin; and her sister-in-law Barbara Perina. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; and sister-in-law Nancy Perina.
Anne, Sandy, and Monica are grateful to Accent Care hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, Barbara's family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com