Paula "Lisa" Refner (Steele)

Paula Alisa “Lisa” Refner (Steele)
Lisa Refner (Steele) of Sebastian FL passed away in the early morning hours of March 9, 2026.

Lisa was born in Newark DE on July 20, 1959 the daughter of Charles Vernon Steele and Renee Steele.

The youngest of 6 siblings Lisa at times was more a free-spirited wild child. She enjoyed live music, especially the Grateful Dead and loved to listen to her Brother Charlie play his guitar as they grew up. She would share stories about growing up in Newark and could run down memories about it as if it happened yesterday. Early on Lisa gravitated toward horses and quickly found a bond and love for them that lasted her entire life. She owned and trained many horses but being able to share her enthusiasm and passion with her daughter Jackie and her granddaughter Callie was one of her biggest joys. Horses brought a sense of peace and calm to her and were a way to connect her to some amazing people along the way that were able to share the same passion forging long-term friendships. Lisa enjoyed all things history, and you would often find her sitting outside with a good book and cup of coffee. One thing that came naturally was her ability to cook and bake which quickly made her the “neighborhood Mom” to her daughter’s friends growing up. Her door was always open, and her kitchen table was welcome for anyone to sit, something her oldest daughter Tracy took full advantage of.

Lisa truly was a light in the dark with an infectious smile and contagious laugh. She was strong willed and stubborn by nature but always able to find humor in any situation. Her love for the sun and water led her to move to Florida in recent years where she was able to enjoy the weather and slower pace alongside her Husband Rich, her horse Skye and their 2 dogs. She enjoyed being closer to the beaches and would at times take walks to collect shells, look at the dolphins and watch the Pelicans which came to be her favorite bird.

Lisa is proceeded in death by her Mother; Renee Steele, Father; Vernon Steele, Sister; Kathy Steele and Brother; Charles Steele. She is survived by her husband Rich Refner, Daughters; Tracy (James) Chongling and Jacquelin (Junior) Nichols. In addition, she leaves behind her Sisters; Virginia (Bob) Lanczkowski, Janice (Richard) McMillan, Jane Satterfield as well as her Grandchildren Callie, London, Carson and Casey which will always remember how proud she was of and loved them. Lastly, she leaves behind a host of loving friends and extended family including nieces and nephews.

Burial will be private; however all are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life which will be held on April 20th from 2:00 – 6:00 pm on the Terrace at Chesapeake Inn located in Chesapeake City MD. The family asks that if you happen to hear a Grateful Dead song keep it on, slow down in whatever you are doing and smile.