Nancy Burnham Brefka “the Queen”, loving and devoted wife of 58 ½ years to Henry “Hank” Brefka and mother to her four beautiful daughters. During those years she was a Girl Scout leader, a swim team coach of 4 State Championships for the Racine YMCA, Co-founder of Racine Riverbend nature center and a member of the Junior League. After their move from Racine to Pensacola Nancy became the President of the Newcomers Club. She and Henry enjoyed all that Pensacola Country Club had to offer their family including tennis, golf and the social life. She was always young at heart and began teaching water aerobics at PCC at age 87. The Ladies Golf Association bestowed an honorary membership to Nancy this year. Nancy was also the President of the Pensacola Museum of Art Guild and contributing member for many years. Her greatest love was traveling the planet with Henry and sharing their memories. Nancy’s other hobbies included bridge and hosting parties. She will be remembered for hosting an annual Christmas party with all her lady friends and it was the highlight of her year. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Henry Brefka, brother Scott Burnham, daughters Suzanne (Brefka) Chambers, Kathleen Brefka, and grandson Sawyer Henry Weir. Survivors include daughters, Cheryl (Tom) Weir, Pamela Brefka, grandchildren Kristin and Collin Weir, Samantha and John Henry Fowler and great grandchildren Aryanua and Kalyssa.
A “Celebration of Nancy’s beautiful life” will be held at St. Michael’s Basilica, 19 N. Palafox Street on February 4 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers donations to Pensacola Museum of Art Guild, a charity of your choice or St Michael’s Basilica, P. O. Box 12423, Pensacola, FL 32591-2423, will be greatly appreciated. So, when you raise a glass to your loved ones, please remember Nancy. Celebrate life!
