On April 11, 2025, Nadja Flores Refaie, 60, reached the end of a brave battle with cancer. Beloved wife, close family member, colleague, teacher and friend, her passing is deeply felt by those nearest and dearest. Nadja’s warm spirit and passion have left a profound impact on the Merrithew family and our wider community. With her husband’s blessing, we cherish her life and the countless lives she touched.
This tribute brings together the memories and messages from those who shared in her life closely.
Mario Flores—Nadja’s Husband
"She found in the world of yoga and Pilates those missing pieces that completed her happiness."
After realizing the corporate world wasn’t fulfilling her, Nadja made the bold decision in her 30s to change careers. She found joy, purpose and community in Pilates and yoga. “Taking class and then teaching fulfilled her soul,” Mario says. “She was happy sharing her knowledge and learning from every person. It was her calling.
Her legacy, he shares, is one of love and strength. “You will always be in my heart. Thank you for the best 30 years of my life. Your love will continue to guide us, and we will cherish our memories until we meet again.”
PJ O’Clair—Colleague and Friend
"She lit up every studio she entered."
For more than 20 years, Nadja served as a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer with unwavering dedication, grace and warmth. “She brought high energy, fluid movement and a deep commitment to the work,” says PJ O’Clair. “But it was her nurturing spirit, generous heart and the way she truly cared for her students that set her apart.”
Nadja believed in the power of movement to heal, uplift and transform. “She guided countless individuals with patience and joy. Her influence will continue to ripple through every instructor and student she mentored,” PJ expresses.
Carol Earle—Colleague and Friend
"She never let her personal setbacks affect her teaching."
To Carol Earle, Nadja was not just a colleague but a kindred spirit. “We had great conversations taking deep dives into the STOTT PILATES method,” she recalls. “We were very symbiotic, and I loved talking about how we could achieve our teaching goals.”
To Carol, Nadja’s will be remembered for her positivity, serenity and resilience. “She saw the potential in everyone and wanted to help them achieve it. I am a better person and teacher for having known her.”
Yael—Student, Colleague and Friend
"She helped me find my own voice."
Yael met Nadja as a tentative newcomer with no fitness background. “I was completely awestruck by her at first. She was so calm, knowledgeable and tall! She had a kind of regal presence,” she shares.
It was Nadja’s thoughtful, precise teaching and quiet encouragement that gave Yael the confidence to grow. “She taught me how to cue, how to structure a class and how to listen to the body. She never stopped learning herself, and she always made space for curiosity. It was truly a gift to know her.”
Samia De Simone—Student and Friend
"She fostered a collaborative environment and put everyone at ease."
Samia, who took her Reformer course with Nadja, remembers her as an exceptional instructor with a humble heart. “Nadja was an amazing human being. Besides her knowledge in her field, it was her humility that touched my heart.”
Samia recalls Nadja’s kindness and ability to make everyone feel comfortable, even during long, demanding sessions. “She created an environment where everyone felt seen and supported.”
Nadja Flores Refaie brought generosity, warmth and compassion to all she did. As a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend, she inspired us all to move with intention, lead with kindness and live with grace. Her presence will be deeply missed, and the impact she made continues through those she inspired.
For all you gave and all you are, Nadja, thank you. We carry your light with us always.