MaryKaye Brett

Mary Katherine Brett, known as "MaryKaye" by family and friends, 65 years old, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016. Born in Brecksville, Ohio, July 21, 1951, to the late Joseph & Agnes Brett, she grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, before the family moved to Naples, Florida. She attended Brecksville High School and upon graduation attended Kent State University later transferring to Urbana University in Urbana, Ohio.

Upon moving to Naples, MaryKaye had a love for the beach. When she wasn't working at the Naples Pier, she was out on her Sunfish Sailboat. She held a real estate license and worked as an appraiser.

She had a passion for learning about God which started her on a journey that led to the United Research Light Center in Black Mountain, NC in the 1970's. She formed many lifelong friendships while living there. MaryKaye seized the opportunity and traveled to Israel and to Egypt to see the Pyramids. What started out as a volunteer position grew in responsibilities and MaryKaye became the Director/Administrator for both the United Research Light Center & The House.

While living in Black Mountain she had a precious black labrador. Had the privilege of hearing the music of Newcomer Norah Jones in Asheville. She loved entertaining her parents when they would come up to visit on the mountain. Many times they would tour the elegant, historical Biltmore House.

Mary Kaye returned to Naples in early 2000, to assist in the care of her late mother, Agnes Brett. Mary Kaye worked at Dillard's department store where she became Pacesetter Sales Consultant.

Mary Kaye loved music and dancing. While attending the Care Club of Naples as a client, many stories are told of her dancing, singing, or leading the exercises with the group.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy A. Justice.

Survivors include sisters: Patty Stapleton, Diane Bader, and Karen Brett; brothers: Daniel Brett, David Brett, Joseph Brett, and Kenneth Brett; numerous nieces, nephews, and about 50 cousins.

A heartfelt thank you to our Brother, Kenneth Brett for his dedication and hard work. The doors that opened up for MaryKaye started with Ken's assistance.

The family is deeply grateful for the help that we received from the Alzheimer's Support Network in Naples, Florida and from all the Volunteers, Social Workers, & the Director. They went out of their way to shower our dear sister with loving care as we transitioned through the different stages of this disease. Being invited to the Ladies' Group on Saturdays was such a blessing for MaryKaye. She truly loved going and it also gave a needed break to her caregivers. A very special thank you to Marianne Troy who assisted us and didn't give up hope. We are also grateful to Clarke Pollard for his dedication and perseverance and for believing in the system.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at 1 pm at New Hope Ministries, 7675 Davis Blvd., Naples, Florida with the Reverend David Brett officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Support Network, 660 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL. Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens is assisting the family of Ms Brett.

A second Memorial Service will take place in the Spring of 2017 in Black Mountain, NC.