Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Nancy Brinly Obituary
80 passed away on Saturday July 18, 2015, a native of Louisville, and a traveler of the earth.
She was a retired physical therapist, earning her degree from Washington University in 1959, and holding her license until 2015. Nancy worked for the Kentucky state board of physical therapy, Children's hospital of Louisville, Norton hospitals, Stanford university hospital, charity hospital of New Orleans, and the visiting nurses association. She was celebrated and honored in her profession, winning many distinguished awards, both nationally and locally for her achievements and accomplishments in physical therapy, including, but not limited to, the 2013 KPTA Donald H. Lange Lifetime achievement award, and the 2009 FSBPT Richard McDougall award. She was an avid supporter of the Louisville Zoo, both financially and with her time, as a volunteer as a docent. She was a great influence, mentor , and beacon of light to many, and the world is a better place for her having walked upon it.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Fred and Cecilia Blankenship, her husband Robert "Bob"; her beautiful loving daughter Cecilia Lee, and her sister Bonnie Chapman.
She is survived by her son Robert "Casey" his wife Kelly Lewis, her granddaughter and the source of her joy Amelia Claire; her brother Robert and wife Monica Blankenship; brother-in-law, (Bonnie) Ralph L. Chapman, Diane Bray of Kapaa Hawaii, Bill and Shirley Brinly, Ruth Ann Brinly Marchand, many beautiful and loved cousins, nieces and nephews, and the most loving and loyal of friends (MAF).
Visitation will be from 3-8 pm Tuesday, with a memorial service to be held on Wednesday at 2 pm at Pearson's 149 Breckenridge Lane.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Morton Center, The Louisville Zoo, Planned Parenthood and Bernheim Forest.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Brinly
Manuel J. Grimaldi
July 14, 2022
Much love, always.
Manuel J. Grimaldi
July 14, 2021
Still love you second mother.
Manolo Grimaldi
July 14, 2020
I miss you Nancy. There was music I wrote for you that was still on the internet. Remembering your smile, and your eyes while you listened brought me peace. Always, Manolo. All my love to your family, passed and present. Sleep in the stars. Fly, lady, fly.
Manuel J. Grimaldi
July 14, 2019
I love you more than words can tell Mama Nancy. I think about you often. You are a shining ball of love above.
Dorothy Kutcherman
August 23, 2015
I knew Nancy when I worked for the MD Board of Physical Therapy and finally met her in person some 20 years ago. Nancy was a delightful person and friend. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Chuck Clark
July 23, 2015
Being a PT of several years, I would certainly say I had met Nancy and had interactions with her for initial licensure, renewals and similar over the years. However, I think I got deeper insight into her character when I spent some time with her and see her being presented with the 2009 FSBPT Richard McDougall award. Hearing her speak of the love and joy she had for the profession resonated with me greatly! I won't forget that or her kind words to me.
David Escobar PT
July 22, 2015
As a new-grad PT back in 1991, I always felt Nancy was a reliable source of information, honest, hardworking, and a trusted friend of the PT profession. So sad to hear of her passing. It was always wonderful to speak with her on the phone (as I often did the first several years in practice). May her legacy live on.
Joanne Hathman
July 22, 2015
I have known Nancy for many years and we went from high school adventures to some traveling with classmates in later years until she was unable to join us. We always had her with us in spirit, however. It is very sad for me to see that she has passed, but, I know she is well, happy, and smiling like her old self now. Believe me, she will be missed by many, including me! I can just see she and Bonnie saying hello.
Lance Urton
July 21, 2015
as a second mother to many of us, it was hard to hear the news, so soon after my grandlady passing. The heart weighs heavy over these passed few months, but the memories do make me smile. We will miss you Nancy, so keep an eye on us when you can.
Robbie Hinkebein
July 21, 2015
I certainly owe a great deal of gratitude and appreciation for Nancy, and all she did to initially expose me to the field of physical therapy. She was so helpful and giving of her time on my quest to pursue a career in physical therapy. Her passion and dedication to our profession continues to inspire me today. Thanks in part to Nancy, patient right issues such as direct access aren't an issue in KY as they are in some states. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Ann Black
July 21, 2015
I have fond memories of Nancy as well as solid admiration for her contributions to the Physical Therapy profession. She was a special lady!
Gwen Simons
July 20, 2015
So sad to hear of Nancy's passing. She was an icon. She shaped the ethical mindset of physical therapists in KY and beyond. I feel blessed to have known her and been influenced by her principles and commitment to the profession. RIP
July 20, 2015
This is how Nancy looked when I was a physical therapy student in 1973 doing a 6 week rotation under her at Children's Hospital. She was an inspiration,a mentor,and a role model for me. We ended up working together for years on the KPTA Board of Directors and when I served on KY State licensure board. She was professional and intelligent yet so vibrant and funny.I loved her and appreciated all she did for PT and for me personally. I know she will be missed. Debbie Puckett,PT Pikeville, Ky
Joseph Drake
July 20, 2015
How fortunate was the KPTA to have Nancy. So dedicated to the profession and its growth. I came into the KPTA in 1963 and thru the years witnessed her professionalism and her interest in students and what was best for the patient. Saw her one time walking the beach in Hilton Head with Pat Moran, two winners for PT.
carl oerther
July 20, 2015
A dear friend since we moved to Louisville in 1979 when we met Nancy through Casey and our many scouting activities over the years....
Nancy is missed...
Jean Gordon
July 20, 2015
I've only known Nancy for less than a year, through our AAUW book club, but we both worked at Charity Hospital New Orleans when we were young.
She was a kind and humorous woman, with a spirit full of grace.
Susan Baker
July 20, 2015
A loving friend, Nancy truly made the world better. We will miss Nancy in our AAUW book group. She kept us on our toes! I will miss her friendship and think of her at Bernheim! Casey, Kelly and Amelia Claire, you are in my heart and prayers.
Manuel Grimaldi
July 20, 2015
Proud to call you a second mother. You amazing, beautiful shining eyed surprise. Angel! It was a pleasure to hold your hands a few last times these past weeks, and share some music with you. Sing in the stars.
Faye Dykstra
July 20, 2015
Dear Casey and Family,
Nancy was a faithful member of the Louisville branch of The American Association of University Women. She will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.
With very deep and sincere sympathy.
Kathy Nuss
July 20, 2015
May the love of your family and friends carry you though in this time of sorrow.
I knew Nancy from being a docent at the Louisville Zoo.
We spent many a hour doing volunteer work together and went on many docent trips with one another - she will be missed.
With sympathy,
The Louisville Zoo Docents
July 20, 2015
Nancy was an avid supporter of the zoo and gave freely of her time as a docent (volunteer teacher) in the Meta Zoo teaching classes and working with the children.
With deepest sympathy,
Kenneth Deutsch
July 20, 2015
Great pic NankieBee. Thank you for the time I got to spend with you and your family. Thank you especially for the excuse to come by and see you last week ! Once more before you moved on. I will always remember you as my second mother. Until we meet again.
July 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss.
Margaret Blain
July 19, 2015
Beautiful picture of Nancy!! What a strong pioneer, innovator and regulatory force in support of KY physical therapists. She established a Board of PT in KY that set a standard that was highly respected and envied by other states!! Proud to call her an amazingly intelligent PT, Board Director
and friend!!
Nancy Urbscheit
July 19, 2015
Nsncy was so welcoming to me when I moved to Louisville in 1983. She was a model of professionalism for her fellow physical therapists. I shall miss her very much.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Nancy Brinly's name
Memorial Events
for Nancy Brinly
How to support Nancy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Nancy Brinly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
