Brenda Lee Gumbrecht Sickler Of Hampton Bays Dies February 1

Brenda Lee Gumbrecht Sickler of Hampton Bays died on February 1 after a short illness. She was 64.

Daughter of Christian and Brenda (Kraft) Gumbrecht, she was born on June 13, 1957.

Born in Amityville, she spent her early childhood years on the Great South Bay with her parents, sisters, and extended family. Many summers were spent at their cottage on West Fire Island, accessible only by boat. Her father, a craftsman, built the boats and homes enjoyed by the family.

In 1966, her family moved to Hampton Bays, where she attended elementary school and became rooted in the East End community. Seasonally, the family lived along the Shinnecock Bay, where she, her sisters, and cousins homesteaded near and operated (the former) Oscar’s fishing station, packing bait for local fishermen, renting boats to customers, and exploring the bay.

She graduated from Hampton Bays High School in 1975 and started her own family soon afterward. Known for her humor and gregarious nature, she was well-loved throughout the community, her family said.

She spent many years in banking, where she found life-long friends with whom she remained close. She married the love of her life, Kevin Sickler, on December 31, 1999, happily spending the next 22 years together. An avid participant in fishing and shellfishing activities with her husband, Sickler enjoyed boating, crafting, film and books, bowling, and spending time with her grandchildren. A long time lover of animals, she delighted in caring for her pets, according to her family.

She was predeceased by her father. She is survived by her husband Kevin; her children Sherryll Huber (Daniel Kuehn) and Terrence Huber; her mother Brenda Gumbrecht (great Grammie); her sisters Diane (Harvey) Wegener and June Stratford and their families; her grandchildren Katrina and Greta; and cousins located up island, upstate, Florida, and the West Coast.

A memorial service was held this week at Scott Rothwell Funeral Home. A celebration of life will take place later this year.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (southamptonanimalshelter.com) would be appreciated by the family.