Karin Kyles, 72, New Canaan Nonprofit Founder

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Karin Ringwald Kyles, a New Canaan resident for more than 37 years, died Jan. 11 at her home, surrounded by family. She was 72.

by Lindita Lika

01/17/2013 5:45 p.m.

Born Aug. 25, 1940, in Oceanside, N.Y., she was the daughter of John and Teresa Spilker Ringwald. She was married to John Morrow Kyles Sr., who survives her.

Kyles was raised in Valley Stream, N.Y., where she attended grade school. She graduated from the Cathedral School of St. Mary in Garden City, N.Y., and attended Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pa.

While living in New Canaan, Kyles founded Connecticut Communities for Drug-Free Youth. She enjoyed gardening in her yard, baking with her grandchildren and spending time with friends. A favorite family vacation destination was Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain in Vermont.

Kyles is survived by a daughter, Amy Kyles (Michael) Sullivan, of Old Greenwich; a son, John Morrow (Stefanie) Kyles Jr., of Ridgefield; two brothers, John Ringwald, of Coopersburg, Pa., and Frederick Ringwald, of Fresno, Calif.; and four grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark’s Church in New Canaan. Interment will be private. Hoyt Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mark’s Church Music Fund, c/o St Mark’s Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT 06840.

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