Nereida McCulley Breustedt

Nereida McCulley Breustedt, of Levittown, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on May 29, 2026, at the age of 78.

Nereida’s life was defined by her tireless work ethic, her passion for helping others, and her deep pride in her heritage. From a young age, she demonstrated a drive that would shape a remarkable career spanning decades and touching countless lives. Her journey began at the age of 16 at the Model Bakery, a testament to the strong work ethic she carried throughout her life. While attending Bristol High School and Bucks County Technical School, she earned her LPN certificate. Upon graduating, she immediately stepped into a role in the Emergency Room at Lower Bucks Hospital, where she dedicated five years of compassionate service.

Ever adaptable and eager for new challenges, Nereida transition into public service, spending 12 years working for the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority. Her next professional chapter led her to the Prudential Insurance Company (later acquired by Aetna). Undeterred by the demands of a full-time career and motherhood, Nereida attended Bucks County Community College at night, proudly earning her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. She retired from Aetna after 19 years of dedicated service.

Retirement, however, could not slow Nereida down. Her passion for nursing called her back to healthcare, where she spent two years in the ICU at St. Mary’s Hospital. She later transitioned to Mercer Bucks Cardiology, where she served as the primary nurse for four cardiologists. Nereida officially retired from nursing at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional patient care.

In spite of being a hardworking professional and a devoted mother, Nereida always found time to enrich her community. Her faith and entrepreneurial spirit led her to teach CCD at St. Michael’s School in Levittown and to serve as a Mary Kay Cosmetics representative. Her desire to help others shone brightly through her volunteer work with the American Red Cross, which included being a vital member of the relief team deployed for the 1989 California Earthquake.

As a proud breast cancer survivor, Nereida turned her personal battle into a mission of hope. She was an active member of the American Cancer Society and became a founding member of Gilda’s Club Bucks County. There, she coordinated the annual Basket Bingo charity event—a labor of love that she ran for 21 years, raising upwards of $500,000 to support others affected by cancer. For the past four years, she also proudly served as a member of the Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea at Bucks County Community College, ensuring other mothers had the opportunity to pursue education just as she had.

Nereida carried a deep, profound pride in her Puerto Rican heritage, which she celebrated through her extensive work with the Puerto Rican Cultural Association of Bucks County. She held numerous board positions over the years and served as President during the historic 50th Anniversary Puerto Rican Day Festival in Bristol, PA.

During the spring and summer months, Nereida could almost always be found tending to the plants and sprucing up the Puerto Rican Monument in Bristol Lions Park. She loved nothing more than sharing vibrant stories with passersby who showed curiosity about the monument, beaming with the pride of her culture. Her dedication, warmth, and boundless energy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the entire community she worked so hard to uplift.

Nereida is survived by her beloved husband, Rodney Breustedt; her son, William McCulley; her daughter, Heather (Dave); her cherished grandchildren, Georgia and Ethan; her sisters, Esther Rivera (Frank), Zoraida Velazquez, and Nancy Taylor; and herbrothers, Ralph Molina (Gloria) and Ivan Molina (Ida). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Thursday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Friday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM at Galzerano Funeral Home, 3500 Bristol-Oxford Valley Road, Levittown, PA 19057.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday at St. Mark Church, 1025 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007. Interment will follow at St. Mark Cemetery.

Nereida will be remembered for her loving heart, selfless nature, quiet strength, and thejoy she brought to those fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love, compassion, and devotion to family will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who loved her.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Galzerano Funeral Home.