"...now and then women should do for themselves what men have already done - occasionally what men have not done--thereby establishing themselves as persons, and perhaps encouraging other women toward greater independence of thought and action. Some such consideration was a contributing reason for my wanting to do what I so much wanted to do." …. Amelia Earhart
Barbara “Moxie “ Brinck was born August 1, 1951 to Jennie Skoufis ( Brunhart) a virtuoso violinist for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Burt Hanson, best known for the bass player in the TV series 77 Sunset Strip theme song. After divorcing Burt in 1954, Jennie married John A. Brunhart, who adopted Barbara.
With her dark Greek hair and flashing green eyes “Moxie” was known for her “spitfire” personality, quick wit, undying loyalty, and fearlessness as she became one of the leading personalities of the flying Babes. She was always an advocate to encourage and promote self awareness and confidence for women in all areas of life.
Barbara’s passion for life included music, piloting, art and her family: her daughter, Anna and her son Waylon Brinck.
Barbara graduated from Riverside High School (Milwaukee, WI) in 1969 and she received her BFA from the University of Wisconsin in 1976. Her love for all art was apparent in her desire to create. Her painting and art works are exhibited in many private collections throughout the country.
She founded Brinck’s Goldsmith Jewelry in Wauwatosa, WI and was sought after to create customized jewelry for clientele from across the nation for 10 years in the 80’s. But, her call to fly was more compelling than art.
She once said: “Flying is the closest I will ever come to immortality, to dance with the winds, and to see the stars at night, so close that I could almost reach out and touch them, truly it must be what was envisioned to be heaven.”
Moxie fought cancer for over 15 years. The disease brought her flying days to an end, but her spirit and carefree outlook on life endeared her to so many. At age 60 she awaits to greet us all.