Carole M. (Barrett) Brinkmann

Carole “Kye” Brinkmann died on June 22, 2022, just 10 days shy of her 90th birthday.  Kye was a devoted wife to husband, Jim, for 64 years and loving mother to Mark and Laurie (Soren). She leaves behind five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and numerous friends. She is preceded in death by her husband and parents.

An only child, Kye was born in Indianapolis, IN, and lived in many midwestern towns and cities as a result of her father’s service in public health. She is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she majored in voice. She appeared in recitals, as a television host, on radio and in night clubs from coast to coast.

After marrying, Jim’s work took them around the country and she made homes in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Chicago before settling in St. Joseph, MI, where they lived for 36 years.  Wherever they lived, she loved cats, was as ardent supporter of the arts and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), where she served in several leadership roles in the Algonquin (MI) chapter. She also enjoyed entertaining, travel and hosting family and friends. Kye and Jim were known for giving elaborate wine dinners in their home to support local charities. London was a favorite destination. In 2017, they relocated to Bluffton, SC, to be closer to their son and daughter-in-law, Kendell. More recently, she moved to Hilton Head Island.

She had a simple, but deep faith and was active in her various churches. Beyond singing in a church choir for more than seven decades (beginning at age 5), she participated in prayer and service in the Episcopal Church as a Daughter of the King, among other things.

She was born Martha Carolyn, changed her name to Carole M., all the while being known as Kye, but she took absolute delight in being called Mother, Gra’ma and G. Her passing leaves an empty place in our hearts and lives. She will be missed.

The family extends its gratitude to Crescent Hospice and the staff at The Pines of Hilton Head, especially her dear caregiver, Mary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Humane Society.