Robin Carol Nowak, 66, of Gulf Breeze, FL, went home to celebrate with the Lord on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Robin was born to the late Laddie and Carole Casebolt O’Kelley in Hampton, VA on October 2, 1958. Robin moved to Pensacola then Milton, FL when she was twelve years old and grew up here locally.
Robin was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and stepmom (aka "Bonus Mom"). She attended Gulf Breeze United Methodist Beach Church. She worked at numerous places over the years but was best known for owning and running “Big Daddie’s Barbecue” in Milton, FL. Robin was a proud member of Pensacola Jesters and served as a member of the Board of Directors. She was involved in several social clubs locally, she was a member of Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile, Impact 100, The Bread and Table Club and Blackwater Pyrates. She loved the Mardi gras season, parading, and having fun with all of her friends.
Robin loved to travel and experiencing new places and cultures, many of her favorites included Prague, Portugal, Ireland, Africia (African safari), Italy, Greece, and Australia. There were many more places she wanted to visit, but time was just too short.
She loved a good party, and held multiple herself each year, it made her happy. She was a loyal friend and would not miss a friend’s party unless it was absolutely unavoidable. She enjoyed Wednesday night happy hour with her friends. It was important to Robin to have her house decorated for the holiday seasons, Christmas, Halloween, Fall, Spring, she loved them all. She also loved her little schnauzer Prissie, which she inherited from her mom, Prissie will outlive us all!
Robin married her love Michael “Roman” Nowak in an incredible rowdy pirate wedding. All dressed as pirates for the blessed occasion, it was a swashbuckling celebration of love. Roman walked the plank into her love! Robin took Roman’s family warmly into her heart, everyone could not help but fall in love with her. She had a big heart, a beautiful smile and was known by all for being kind and sincere. She always made people feel welcome and put people at ease, to meet Robin was to love her.
In addition to her parents, Robin is preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Robin Smith; her three brothers, Patrick O’ Kelley, Casey Lee O’Kelley, and Shawn Patrick O’ Kelley.
Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, Michael Roman Nowak, of Gulf Breeze, FL; her two sons, Ryan Weaver, of Pensacola, FL and Daniel Weaver, of Crestview, FL; step-daughter, Koren Black, Milwaukee, WI; three step-sons, Kevin Nowak, Seymour, WI, Nathan Nowak, Panama City, FL and Matt Nowak, Maple Grove, MN; her grandson, Daniel B. Smith, Arvada, CO; many step grandchildren also survive.
A Celebration of Robin’s Life will be held from 1:00pm until a Memorial Service begins at 3:00pm Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.
Never one to miss a chance for a party- Robin asked for a wake after the service. Please join the family on Agapi Bistro's back porch, 555 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola, FL, 32503.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: 2-4 Life Project (www.2-4lifeproject.org) for an African boy whose education Robin was supporting. This was a special love of Robin’s. Or please consider The Pace Center for Girls, 6745 Phillips Industrial Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Robin’s family would like to thank the Gulf Breeze Police and First Responders, they were amazing and did everything they could.
Read More
