Barbara Norfleet Obituary

BARBARA BARBIE CHAPMAN NORFLEET Barbara "Barbie" Norfleet, 82, left us on December 14, 2025. Born in San Francisco in 1943 to Tom and Ann Chapman, she moved with her family as a teenager to Honolulu. After graduating from Punahou in 1961, she attended the University of Southern California, and matriculated at the University of Hawaii earning both undergraduate and master degrees. She married Nat Norfleet, with whom she had two children, Tracie and Mark. Barbie spent over 40 years teaching speech communication and storytelling at various Hawaii institutions, including the University of Hawaii, and Kapiolani and Honolulu Community Colleges. Known not only for her zest and encouragement but stylish attire and high heels, she was a favorite of her students, always receiving the highest marks of satisfaction. She was a co-owner of The Tennis Ball, a tennis shop located at Kahala Mall, and members of both Wai'alae Country Club and the Outrigger Canoe, the latter for over 50 years. Always eager to give back to her community, she was a former president of The Junior League; a docent and tour guide for The Hawaii Theater; board member of Friends of Judiciary History Center of Hawai'i, as well as a constant on her Punahou class alumni committee. A true animal lover, she was always surrounded by a menagerie of pets, including numerous cats, a rabbit and her cherished Shih-Tzus. Besides Tracie and Mark, she is survived by grandsons Tommy, Sean, and Duke; brother Buster, sisters, Sandie, Sharie, and Leann; beloved nieces and nephews; and numerous lifelong friends. Scattering of ashes March 18 at 3pm at the Outrigger Canoe Club.