It is with a great deal of sadness that we must announce the deaths of two stellar members of the Bosom Buddies of Arizona family.  Both Lillian Freburger and Jackie Pettycrew served BBA for many years.

Lillian Freburger was Bosom Buddies president for the past six years.  She relinquished the role in February 2009, serving as Immediate Past President afterward and was the chief administrator of the clothing drop box program, our major fundraiser.   Bosom Buddies realized much growth under her leadership, bringing her business skills to improve the organization in many ways.  During Lillian’s tenure, outreach and communication, education, fundraising, leadership at the national level, and a major re-branding effort were all improved, updated, and/or accomplished.

Two months before she died, she attended a city council meeting in Goodyear where an initiative was being introduced that would have severely curtailed our income from the clothing drop boxes.  When told she would have to come to the podium in order to speak, the wheelchair bound Lillian having endured years of chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer informed the town council they could hear her “just fine” from where she sat.  In her inimitable way she was able to convince the council how vital these funds are to organizations like Bosom Buddies who serve the needs of people like herself.  The initiative did not pass!

Lillian will be missed for her thoughtful, kind, and efficient manner.  She will continue to serve as an inspiration for all of us to have hope and courage when facing adversity, as she did so well.

Jackie Pettycrew was a long-time member of Bosom Buddies who wore many hats in the early years of Bosom Buddies.   She had a career in advertising and marketing, working for the Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Gazette.  She formed her own promotions and marketing firm and was a brilliant writer and editor.   Jackie lent these skills to many volunteer organizations and BBA was one blessed to receive her talents.

In the 1980’s she joined the fledgling group of professional women who saw a need to reach out to those diagnosed with breast cancer.   Her professional skills helped to promote Bosom Buddies, create and maintain a hotline, and develop group support sites throughout Greater Phoenix.  She did the newsletters and would take on any tasks that needed her skills.   Jackie was a member of the “Survivors” who extended their support beyond their time and talents to include their pocketbooks.

Jackie maintained her membership and support of BBA until her death and will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have known her.

We mourn the passing of these two great women and express our sincere condolences to their family members and friends.

Written by Karen Lewkowitz