Hildegard “Ida” (Burnett) Breese, 81, passed away peacefully at home in Inverness, Florida, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Ida was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 3, 1943, to Hildegard (Kaut) Burnett and Birch Wesley Burnett. She spent her early childhood in Newfield, New Jersey, with treasured summers spent at her family’s house in the Poconos.
Ida’s family moved to Bradenton, Florida in 1957. She attended Manatee High School where she met her future husband, John. Ida graduated in 1962, and the following year, they were married. During the early years of their marriage, they lived in England, France, and Minot, North Dakota while John served in the Air Force. They ultimately returned to Bradenton where they lived for more than 20 years before moving to Inverness in 1988.
While a career outside the home was never her focus, Ida worked for a time at Hoods Dairy and Miller Elementary School in Bradenton. She later became a licensed hearing aid specialist and worked for several years at Tri-County Hearing Services in Inverness.
Throughout her life, Ida relished spending time with her family and friends. She was always present for her family’s special moments and supportive during their challenging times. Ida volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, and she was a regular attendee of her children and grandchildren’s band concerts, swim meets, races, soccer games, track meets, and dance recitals. She also maintained a close relationship with her extended family in Germany, and she cherished the times when they were able to be together in Germany or Florida.
Ida created a warm, welcoming home, which she enjoyed decorating to make the holidays a special time for her family. She also liked working in her yard, and she created an oasis for her family as well as the birds and deer. When she could not be outside, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, and other crafts. For many years, she sewed beautiful clothing for her children. In the later years, she surprised family and friends with thoughtful quilts or crocheted blankets.
Ida is survived by her husband of 61 years, John Breese; her 3 children, Belinda Nettles (David), Janet Jones (John), and Andrew Breese (Amy); her 8 grandchildren, Robin Nettles, Christin (Nettles) Powers (Steven), Jessica Jones, Jackson Jones, Julia Jones, Connor Breese, Logan Breese, and Andie Breese; and 3 great-grandchildren, Vyrdani “Dani” Powers, Alaric Powers, and Genevieve Powers.
The funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 18th, 3:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Inverness, 206 Washington Avenue, Inverness. This will be immediately followed by a graveside service at Oak Ridge Cemetery on West Hill Street, Inverness and a reception at the church. The Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Boys Town (boystown.org) or Mayo Clinic (give.mayoclinic.org).
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