Nancy Barnes

Nancy passed away in Bluffton, SC, from health complications on 4/28/2024, the day after her 89th birthday, with her daughters by her side.

Born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital to parents Philip and Thelma (Dickscheidt) Dannenfelzer, Nancy was a proud second generation Santa Barbaran. She attended Harding Elementary School, La Cumbre Jr. High, and Santa Barbara High School. Nancy married Thomas Higgins Jr. (Tommy) in 1956 and had three children, Steve, Lori and Allison. The family enjoyed vacationing in the Mojave Desert with family and friends; camping, and riding motorcycles. She started a career in real estate, worked as a manicurist, and worked in the office of her father’s company, Pyramid Tile. Nancy remarried Dick Barnes several years later. She was a lifelong resident of Santa Barbara until the past 5 years when she relocated to Bluffton, South Carolina, nearer to her daughter Allison.

Her love of family and friends was primary, but her second love was her time at the Elks Lodge 613. Nancy was an extremely dedicated and proud Elk member and an officer of the Lodge. She was always quick to volunteer her time and efforts to various Elk activities and charities, and she enjoyed being the main Thursday night Bingo caller for many years. Even after moving out of state, she stayed dedicated and continued her Santa Barbara Elks membership.

Nancy is now reunited with her son Steve Higgins, who passed away in 1996. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Fred Dannenfelzer. She is survived by daughters Lori Bresk (Paul) and Allison Gerber O’Donoghue (Jack); grandsons Armand Gerber, Andrew Bresk, Ethan Bresk, Brendan, Colin, Conor O’Donoghue and granddaughters Karina Gerber and Hannah O’Donoghue; seven great grandchildren; cousins Joan Hamlin, Rick Hamlin, and Randy Ford; nieces Debbie Dannenfelzer and Shari Dannenfelzer Polk.

Impeccably dressed and beautifully accessorized, Nancy was a true lady who maintained her charm and wit until her final hours. She was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is being planned at the Elks Lodge 613 at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge 613.