At 102 years old, Ida stands as a shining light among our Legacy family. Since joining us two years ago, her energy and enthusiasm have been infectious. You’ll often find her in the activity room painting birdhouses for the tree outside her apartment, or enjoying the sunshine outdoors. Ida’s smile and cheerful spirit brighten everyone’s day.

Born on August 7, 1923, to Lewis and Ida Toke in Avenel, New Jersey, Ida’s family immigrated from Hungary through Ellis Island. When she was young, they moved to Woodbridge, New Jersey, where her father opened the Woodbridge Fur Shop. As the youngest of three siblings—with older brothers Lois and Alex—Ida helped her father in the fur business, often delivering fur coats to customers.

At about 16 or 17, Ida met Frank Brecka while horseback riding, and they quickly felt destined for each other. They married when Ida was just 18 and soon welcomed their first son, Frank. Shortly after, Frank was drafted into the war. While he served overseas, Ida and baby Frank lived with her parents. When Frank returned, they had three more sons: Wayne, followed four years later by Dennis, and seven years later came the caboose, Kurtis.

Ida’s four sons are a great source of pride and joy, and she lovingly talks about them often. As a testament to what a wonderful mother she has been, her boys visit her every day to spend time with her. Ida and Frank raised their family in Woodbridge, and some of Ida’s favorite memories are summers spent at their beach house on the Jersey Shore.

Once her sons started high school, Ida attended Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School and embarked on a career as a secretary, working for Siemens, Hess Oil, and Ronson. Frank continued working in the family fur business until both eventually retired and purchased a home on the beach.



In 2018, Ida and her son Dennis moved to South Carolina for warmer weather and sunshine. Since moving into Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet, Ida has embraced this community as home, and we’re truly fortunate to have her as part of our family.