Candice L. Bruley

Candice Lynne Bruley (Zinnel) passed away peacefully on May 16, 2020. Candice was the daughter of James Zinnel and Lavonn Bixey-Zinnel. She was proceeded in death by her brother and sister, Kim and Wendy Zinnel, and husband, Michael Bruley. Candice is survived by her daughter, Tonya Ruge-Austin (David) of Salisbury, MD; son, James Yerkes (Lisa) of Chestertown, MD, and son, Michael Bruley, Jr., of Baltimore, MD; four grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Brett, and Ebony; and her niece and nephew, Ali Zinnel and Mitchell Zinnel of Chestertown. Candice was born September 13, 1949, in Worthington, MN. She moved to Chestertown, MD, in 1960 when her father, James Zinnel, was transferred to Chestertown with the Campbell Soup Company as assistant plant manager for the new facility. Candice went back to Worthington, MN, to attend Worthing West Community College in 1967 to major in psychology where she would meet and marry Brian Delmar Ruge. Upon the unexpected passing of Brian in 1974, she moved back to Chestertown and married her high school sweetheart Lewis Albert Yerkes, Jr. In 1979, sadly after another unexpected passing of her second husband, she would eventually marry and spend the next 32 years with Michael Matthew Bruley, Sr., of South Philadelphia, PA. There was always an open spot at the dinner table for anyone, and she was mother to many community teens. Candice was always there to listen and relate. Candice loved music - particularly from the 60’s era, some of her favorite artists were Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin. His favorite anthem to life was “Imagine” by John Lennon. She loved art, animals, and her family. Candice also really loved the Chester River and fishing and boating and is known for a variety of life lessons such as teaching the kids how to clean the fish properly…”If you’re gonna catch em’ - you’re gonna have to know how to clean em’ yourself.” Wisdom such as “Always question the authority and that includes me!” and most important “Do what you love in life because that is all that matters...the rest will come.” There will be a memorial service when Covid-19 restrictions allow. If you would like to be notified when the memorial has been scheduled, please e-mail Jay at jay@rosincreekcollaborative.com If you’d like to make a contribution in her honor, Candice requested that you make a donation to the Humane Society of Kent County or an animal welfare charity of your choice.