Kayla Suzanne Breit

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. 13 ^th 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 9 ^th , 2001, in Wichita, KS. Scott and Jackie remember baby Kayla smiling often and having a sweet temperament. Kayla was the 2 ^nd 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.