Kayla Suzanne Breit
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A Celebration of Life for Kayla Suzanne Breit (22) will be held at 2:00pm on March 2, 2024, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Kayla was born on April 9, 2001, in Wichita, KS, the daughter of Scott and Jackie (Cambaya) Breit. Kayla was a student at the University of Kansas and passed away at her home in Lawrence, KS on February 2, 2024.
In addition to her parents, Kayla is survived by her sister Cassie, brother Connor; uncles, John Breit (Lori), Arnel Cambaya, Oliver Cambaya, Glenn Cambaya; aunts, Elvie Cambaya Sato, Michelle Cambaya Arceo, Roselyn Cambaya; great uncles, Bob Williams, Jack Williams (Connie), and Rick Williams (Carolyn); and several cousins.
Kayla was preceded in death by her grandfather’s William M. Breit and Pedro Cambaya.
KAYLA’S LIFE … KAYLA’S PURPOSE
Beginnings: Kayla Suzanne Breit was born, gracing the world on April 9th, 2001, in Wichita, KS. Scott and Jackie remember baby Kayla smiling often and having a sweet temperament. Kayla was the 2nd child in the family and looked up to her big sister Cassie and was fiercely protective of her younger brother Connor. Kayla’s childhood was joyous, and she filled her life with friends and sports. She enjoyed playing “fairy princess” and often dressed up. Kayla loved gymnastics (shown below with her cousin, Carolyn-Paige) which eventually led her to participate in cheer. Tumbling was her favorite part of gymnastics and Kayla could often be found practicing in the house and on the driveway. Kayla’s favorite color was green because she would imagine herself living in an enchanted forest. Later in life, Kayla created her own enchanted forest by surrounding herself with beautiful plants that she tended with care. Kayla loved lights and decorated her room with string lights that comforted her and made it feel like Christmas all year. And Kayla adored her favorite treats like hot dogs and ice cream.
Growing Up: Kayla attended school in the Goddard, KS school district from pre-school through middle school. During this time Kayla developed wonderful friendships including her life-long relationship with Chloe Vickers (shown below.) Chloe’s family became a second family to Kayla and included her in weekly sleepovers and outings. Before her death, Kayla expressed her excitement to be included in Chloe’s upcoming wedding.
In 2015 Kayla’s family moved to Overland Park where Kayla attended and subsequently graduated from Olathe East High School in May 2019. During this time Kayla had her first job working in a retired community where she met her dear friend Mesa Khalil (shown below at high school graduation). Kayla and Mesa became inseparable and remained friends for the rest of Kayla’s life.
Family: Kayla grew up in a loving family with parents and siblings who adored and supported her. Kayla was passionate about cooking Filipino food and bonded with her mom Jackie over their shared interest. Kayla nicknamed her dad Scott, “Pops” and looked to him for advice about her career interests while enjoying his presence at her numerous gymnastics, cheer and debate competitions. College took Kayla far from her parents and brother Connor, but she would often connect with them through phone and facetime calls. Cassie is a graduate of the University of Kansas and when Kayla enrolled there, they were able to spend time together. While Kayla was never able to travel to the Philippines to meet all of her mom’s family, she was able to meet her maternal grandmother, Rosa, when she visited Wichita. During her lifetime, Kayla made many memories with Scott’s extended family including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her dearly. Photos below include immediately family in 2010 and 2023.
Kayla: Kayla was a unique person with so many wonderful traits to celebrate. She had a tender heart for all animals. Throughout her lifetime she filled her world with parakeets, fish, her beloved pup “Tot” and finally her three fur babies (shown below.) Kayla loved them all and they were lucky to be part of her life.
Kayla also loved nature. She enjoyed biking and hiking through a variety of landscapes, traveling to the west coast and Texas Gulf Coast where she appreciated and reveled in the natural beauty she found there. When she couldn’t be outside in nature, she found it in her own home which was filled with the many plants and flowers that she expertly cared for with her green thumb. Pictures shown below are Santa Fe, NM 2018 and Fern Lake, CA 2022.
Another characteristic that her parents are particularly proud of was her work ethic. From the early age of 14, she secured a job and continued to work throughout her lifetime, shouldering a great deal of financial responsibility to live independently. Most recently one of Kayla’s jobs was as an optical technician at Dobbins/ Letourneau optometry (staff shown below.) She loved her teammates there and in the many other jobs performed at various dining establishments. Kayla found fulfillment in helping her colleagues and their patrons.
Purpose: While Kayla’s time on Earth was short, her impact on those who knew her is everlasting. Kayla had an innate ability to connect with others through her engaging, bubbly personality (smiling, storytelling and general silliness) and touched so many lives in small but meaningful ways. Throughout her lifetime, Kayla found purpose in helping others. From her family to those she encountered in her work life, Kayla was happiest when helping others; giving of herself.
Departure: Kayla departed our world on February 2, 2024 – leaving those she loved and those who loved her dearly, with broken hearts and so many unanswered questions. We will have to settle for being comforted in the knowledge that she is at peace and that if she could, she would tell us to be kind to one another, to care for each other, and to love each other.
Daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, coworker, friend. Kayla, you are loved and missed dearly.
Miss and love you everyday Kaylabell. Love Dad ❤️
To Scott, Jackie, Cassie and Connor: I can’t even begin to imagine the unbelievable pain you are going through over the loss of your beloved Kayla. I am so thankful that Chloe and Kayla became best friends, because she brought so much joy to all our lives. Kayla was always thought of as part of our family; her even calling me her 2nd mom. I would text her from time to time to check in on her and I never forgot her birthday or the holidays. She always texted me back even with her busy schedule. Carey and I were so proud of her accomplishments almost like she was one of our kids. The time she was here on Earth was much too short. Kayla was so beautiful and bright, giggly and silly, but underneath it all she was just kind and genuine. I will miss her smile and the way she brightened the room by her presence. Praying that you find peace and comfort in the days to come.
Kayla was one of a kind. What a blessing to work with such a beautiful soul every day. She taught me so much! Front plant care to coffee – she always had knowledge up her sleeve. She was such an avid reader and always up for a challenge at work. Beyond blessed to call her a colleague and a true, true friend. Thank you for always being there for everyone you encountered. The world was much sweeter with you in it🩷 love you Kayla Sue!!!!!💞💞💞💞
Beautiful Kayla, I will always remember your sweet smile and the way your cousins Carson & Kate looked up to you when you were young. Fond memories of decorating gingerbread cookies with you in Kerrville! Sending love and peace to Scott, Jackie, Cassie & Connor❤️
Our hearts are so sad about her short and love filled life. We know you and her dear friends miss her greatly, and we pray for peace, love and laughs of beautiful Kayla.
Kayla made an impression on everyone she met – within one minute. She was so incredibly kind, smart, giving, trustworthy and genuine. Just to name a few. I worked side-by-side with her for just over a year and made memories to last a lifetime. I knew of all the girls mentioned in this post as Kayla spoke so fondly of her friends. Kayla was so passionate about learning and didn’t miss an opportunity to educate herself. She taught me things from plant care to the best coffee grounds to buy…and, boy, she knew what she was talking about! Also, I’ve never had a tastier tiramisu!!!! Kayla also supported EVERYONE. The way she connected with our patients was so loving and they opened up to her so often. (It became an inside joke at the office as she would say, “sorry – they just kept talking to me”) We knew it was her welcoming, unmatched energy that patients connected to. I will forever think about my KaylaSue when I talk to my plants, eat tiramisu, or when I should take an extra minute in the screening to to chat with patients. She was a light that is unmatched and made a deep impression on all she interacted with. I’m so so so incredibly sorry for this loss. Love you all.
I enjoyed Kayla so much in cheer at GMS. She was loved by everyone. I am so heartbroken, prayers for your family❤️
I only had the privilege to meet Kayla one time, but I immediately saw and felt her lightness and big heart just by her being around. I could feel her energy, and in my opinion, those are some of the best and most beautiful people. I’ll miss her and all the joy she spread.
It’s so devastating to lose such a young and beautiful soul like Kayla. She had so many ambitions and goals and was willing to work hard for them. Never to be forgotten are her smile, her intelligence, her passion, her beautiful face, her grace, her unique personality and her love for her family and friends. If you think of Kayla, you must also remember the fun times with her. I will never forget those times. She will always only be a thought away and will live on in our hearts. Words can’t express how my heart breaks for Scott, Jackie Cassie and Connor. I’m truly sorry for your loss and hope you can one day find comfort in the beautiful memories you have of her.
Kayla had a bubbly personality and was also quite serious. She will be missed by family and friends.
Kayla truly had a beautiful soul. She was the most silliest and intelligent person I have ever met. She really did make a big impact on my life including all of my sisters too. When I first met Kayla, I instantly knew Mesa had someone in her life who was going to be her person. I never had a time where I wasn’t laughing with Kayla. She really knew how to light up situations and that’s what I loved and idolized about her. She was so genuine, passionate, and loving. With her always being around Mesa, she felt like another older sister to me. I really did look up to her while growing up, because in my eyes I thought she was the most perfect human being and this is true. She really was perfect. I’m going to cherish the times where Kayla and I would stay up past midnight while Mesa was sleeping and grab all the snacks and food we could find in my house, and binge watch the weirdest YouTube videos that we came across. I will also never forget the goofy conversations that we would have during those nights. I love you to the moon and back Kayla. You will forever be missed and I will always think about you, sweet angel. ❤️ 🕊️
Mang Makita ko ito iyak parin ako Ng iyak.pamangking ko lagi kita pinapa mesa.mahal ka Namin kailanman🙏😭♥️
Kayla’s love was unconditional. When she was a baby she was already independent by sucking her thumb when she was hungry so I could sleep more. She was always happy with her gym play-mat kicking those dangling stuffed animals with her long legs. She had those soft cries when she needed me. She grew up with her princess pretend and felt so beautiful in her dress. She loved going downstairs to start cooking in her pretend kitchen with tiny plates, pots, spatula, cups etc. she loved holding my watering can wearing her princess dress in our Kansas house. So many good memories with her kindness to her big sister, Cassie. I took a recent video of Kayla holding hands with her brother and giving lots of hugs as we shopped for groceries. She loved her brother. I will always miss you, Kayla. At work I will miss your FaceTime calls. I will never get tired of sending my love to you in heaven everyday! God is with you. Rest in Peace, my beautiful Kaylabell! Love, Mom 💗
Jackie, you and your family are in my heart and mind. I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now but I want you to know that I am here for you. I am blessed to have known Kayla. Her beautiful smile and gentle soul will remain in our hearts. I pray that God grant you strength and may our prayers help comfort you.
What a beautiful soul. My sincere condolences. She was obviously well loved and loved well.
One of the sweetest, loving, funniest, and most beautiful people I have ever met. I will never forget the times we shared. From thrifting at ATC, drinks at the Pig & Cielitos, breakfast at Milton’s, and everything in between. So blessed to have met you. Love you forever Kayla! 🩷