Kaye Marie Bruestle

Kaye M. (Newlin) Bruestle, age 88 of Wilmington, NC was called home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at The Davis Community in Porters Neck. She was born August 8, 1937, in Pontiac, Michigan to the late George and Blanche Laura Newlin.

To know her was to love her. Amongst all her accomplishments, her greatest pride and joy was her family and beloved pets. Kaye was a loving wife to Darryl, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and sister to many. She lived humbly and happily with her loving husband Darryl until his passing in July 2022.

Kaye was a longtime member of Winter Park Presbyterian Church serving as a Women's Circle Chair, prayer leader and Sunday School Teacher. Kaye was a graduate of Central Michigan University earning a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. Upon graduation, she worked as a Physical Education teacher at the Birmingham (MI) YMCA and the Oakland County School System; promoting health and fitness. After settling in Wilmington, Kaye instructed scores of Wilmingtononians at the local YWCA; conducting numerous workshops the 1970s and 80s. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kaye worked as a customer service associate for the Bedford Fair Company until retirement as a fulltime grandmother and great-grandmother.

Kaye was preceded in death by her beloved husband, the late Darryl L. Bruestle after 61 years of marriage. She is also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Maryn Bruestle O'Neill. She is survived by a son, Bradley J. Bruestle and wife, Tammy; a daughter, LeeAnn Bruestle Carroll and husband Rick, son-in-law Hugh O'Neill, and honorary daughter, Karin Schermerhorn of Waterford MI.

She was also blessed with six grandchildren; Chelsea Long and husband Vincent Long, Kaylee Carroll Bransky and husband Patrick, Michael O'Neill and wife, Katie, Emily O'Neill Lewis and husband Dane Lewis, Christopher O'Neill, and Madelyn O'Neill along with thirteen extraordinary great-grandchildren; Everley, Vale, Adair, Cora and Ford Long, Haylee O'Neill, Harvey and Winston Lewis, and Quincee, Darryl, Adalaide and Violet Bransky, and Nettie O'Neil.

A private graveside memorial service celebrating Kaye's life will be held on January 12, 2026 followed by a celebration of life reception with family and friends at Winter Park Presbyterian Church in Chadbourn Hall at 2PM.

In lieu of flowers honors, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to either Winter Park Presbyterian Church or the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, in appreciation for the compassionate support and loving care provided to Kaye and her family.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.