What can you say about Candace. She was one of the most approachable people that I knew at St. Giles. Heart goes out to Wendell. I sing in the choir with her daughter Gillian, and she is one of the nicest people that I know. Thinking about her family at this time. God Bless you all.

Jason Gaskarth

It is difficult to ingest that Candy has passed on. A neighbour for many years on Silverdale Road, a long time fellow Calgary Silver Thimble Quilting Guild member and friend. It makes one realize how fragile life is. Over the years, we all so looked forward to the lovely tea and bake sale at her church. A time to reconnect with friends and partake of such a tasteful and tasty event. You could tell that she loved to do this and we were so eager to partake! My memories of Candy are of her head tilted back and her hearty laugh. Words are inadequate at a time like this but be assured that our thoughts are with Candy’s loved ones. Her essence has been liberally applied to you all and may the good memories help to soften your loss. Respectfully Patrice and Gregory and family

Dear Wendell and Family,

We would like to offer you our sincere condolences on Candace’s sudden passing. You must miss her dearly. Candace was such a loving and genuinely caring person with a wonderful sense of humour. We will truly miss her upbeat, friendly personality. She was a very special lady. We have no doubt that she was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, sister and grandmother.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Take care and know that she is with you in spirit.

Sincerely,

Linda and Patrick Lee and family

We were devastated by Candy’s passing. She was so energetic and keen on getting the most out of life. Was there a craft or hand work she had not tried? Was there a place.she wished to visit and had not done so, or had a plan in place?

Wendell, you, the kids, the grandchildren,Margaret,Jan...how she loved being with you! Each word and action cc

from Sadie and Poppy was stored away for reflection and enjoyment.

And her work...how she loved what she did, the people with whom she worked and the people she met!

Candy’s passing is a sad loss for all of us, family, friends and community, but her life was a blessing.

I worked with Candace at the Alberta Children's Hospital. 10 years ago my daughter gave birth to a very premature little guy. He was on a special formula that was very expensive. My daughter could not afford this formula. Candace heard about this and next time I saw her whispered, come with me. She took me to the formula room and gave me 2 cans of this formula. She said let me know when you run out. I never did tell her when we ran out because I felt bad getting this formula for free. That didn't stop her. She seen me in hallway and knew we were probably out of it so she just said again. Come with me. She did this for the first year of my grandson's life and he is now a healthy 10 year old. She will be missed and I send my deepest condolences to the family. She was a very special lady!!

My family and I want to extend our most sincere condolences to Wendell, Andrew, Gillian, Graham and all of Candy's family on her passing. She leaves a hole in their hearts which cannot be filled by any other. I'd like to share a few memories of a very special lady. Candy first came into my life in September of 1969. We met at Acadia University where we were matched up to be roommates. It wasn't long before we became the best of friends as we navigated our way through university life. We each learned from the other and took great joy in sharing our personal stories. Candy was a great listener - I always felt that she listened with her heart. And her laugh was unequaled for its pure joy! When her and Wendell married, I was proud to be one of her bridesmaids. We kept in touch over the years as we pursued our family lives and careers as Dietitians - but living so far apart meant we didn't get to have the times together that we both had enjoyed so much. We reconnected in person again in July, 2007 when my husband and I stayed with Candy and Wendell for a few days while waiting for our son to return to Calgary. It was great to finally have the personal "catch-up" time with both Candy and Wendell - who were the most gracious hosts. From that time on, we were able to have some time together whenever we visited Calgary - which became a regular thing with our son putting down roots there. We also enjoyed "telephone visits" which were speckled with both laughter and tears as we shared family and personal stories. Candy loved to relay the updates on Andrew, Gillian and Graham and the latest antics of Sadie and Poppy! She was proud of her work with the Alberta Children's Hospital - and in no hurry to retire, as many can attest to. Candy was one of my dearest friends. But most important - she was a loving wife. mother, daughter, sister, aunt and mother-in-law. Her family meant the world to Candy and she had a lot more to give to them. I know their loss is huge. May God give you comfort and may this most unique of human beings find a special place in heaven. Linda Lane and Family.

Shirley MacKay and Wayne Cox

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

We first met Candace 19 years ago when our daughter Erin began dating her eldest son, Andrew. Candace and Wendell took us into their family and their hearts right along with our daughter. We have shared so many wonderful experiences together, the marriage of Erin and Andrew in 2006 and the birth of Nana’s “gorgeous girls”, Sadie Grace in 2014 and Poppy Isobel in 2017. There have been Christmas breakfasts, birthdays, back yard gatherings and so many ordinary events made special by our friendship. Candace guided us through several illnesses and she was so generous with her wealth of information.

Almost every summer for the past 12 years Candace participated in the processing of more then 1000 lbs of tomatoes in our backyard, she worked tirelessly, brought amazing food to share and was a standout in her bright pink rubber boots. None of the participants can imagine this event without her.

Erin and Andrew lived in London, England for six years, Erin was our only child and Candi understood how much she was missed, so she decided that we should go off to London together to visit them. They lived in a tiny flat and we all had to share that little space, but that didn’t deter Candi. We had a wonderful visit and did all the truly British things, but the highlight was “high tea” with Erin. Candi had hurt her foot, but instead of letting it spoil the trip she bought herself a colourful cane and just carried on, never complaining. She embraced the experience with enthusiasm and delight.

The devotion that Candace had for her 3 children is legendary. They are such a testament to her tireless support of all their endeavours, music, second languages, swimming and travel. They are exceptional human beings and I know that they will work hard to keep Nana’s memory vividly alive for Sadie and Poppy.

Candi drew people to her heart, she was kind, loving, generous and so talented. She was starting to look forward to retirement and the time she would have with her little girls. She had so many gifts to share with them, quilting, sewing, knitting, baking and gardening. They both adored her and we take the responsibility, of helping to keep her memory cherished and alive, very seriously. We miss her so much and we hope that time will help ease that heartache for everyone who knew her and loved her.

The idea of Heaven is different for everyone, but when I think of a Heaven for Candace I picture blue sky, a gorgeous white sand beach, a wide expanse of ocean, a colourful lounge chair with a thatched shade, a bottle of white wine chilling, a stack of wonderful books just waiting to be read and her favourite music playing in the background. She is rested and at peace.

Dearest Wendell, Kids, Partners and Grandchildren.....

Candace was a ray of light in my life. I met her when she started working at the Children's Hospital and immediately knew that I had so much to learn from her. Gillian, Andrew and Graham were a bit ahead in age and experiences of my kids, and every time I would tell her my woes and express my frustration about what my kids were doing (and what they weren't doing), Candace would always say the same thing...."Just you wait.....it just gets worse!". And then of course she would laugh, and while I did not love what she said, her laugh made me think that it would all turn out ok. She was a mentor in so many areas and my favorite story is when I called her one night to get her Pavolva recipe. I told her I had the Best of Bridge version. She immediately told me over the phone to "scratch that! write down exactly what I tell you, and it will turn out". I wrote it down, and still have that recipe - with her words in my handwriting. She was a genuine person who had time and made time for everyone. She always had time to talk, and was patient and kind.....love her and will miss her laugh, her spirit and her zest for life. Love you Candace...xo

Dear Wendell and Family,

Glenda and I are so sorry to hear the news of your sudden loss of Candi. She was a wonderful and caring mother, homemaker and professional who lived her life to the fullest. We recall our meeting two years ago in Halifax, after a lifetime since last we had met. It afforded us a small chance to reconnect and to update our lives. At the time we said it would not be our last, but we can never predict the future. It is impossible to imagine the pain you are experiencing.

We wish for you Peace and Comfort as you travel through this difficult time. Wendell, I hope we can stay in touch, please feel free to call any time.

My life goes on in endless song

Above earth's lamentation

I hear the real, though far-off hymn

That hails a new creation

Through all the tumult and the strife

I hear its music ringing

It sounds an echo in my soul

How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars

I hear the truth, it liveth

And though the darkness 'round me close

Songs in the night it giveth

No storm can shake my inmost calm

While to that rock I'm clinging

Since love is Lord of heaven and earth

How can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble in their fear

And hear their death knell ringing

When friends rejoice both far and near

How can I keep from singing?

In prison cell and dungeon vile

Our thoughts to them are winging

When friends by shame are undefiled

How can I keep from singing?

You are sorely missed.

Christine Leclerc

When I think of Candy my heart smiles.

I first met Candy in 1974 at the Royal Vic in Montreal and she quickly became a loving, loyal and trusted friend. Candy was also a lot of fun. We had many good times in those early years with weekend and overnight trips to Ormstown and occasionally to Plattsburgh. One of my fondest memories involves one of Candy's favorite things and that was tea. One day, Candy asked me if she could see my new apartment and I was happy to oblige. As Candy entered my sparsely furnished apartment, I saw the look of disapproval when she noticed the paper grocery bag I used as a garbage can, but I saw her eyes light up when she saw the box of Earl Grey tea sitting on my countertop. That look of delight soon changed to a look of horror when I told Candy I don't actually drink tea. I would throw the tea out and used the tea bags to soak away puffiness beneath my eyes. Candy screamed out my name and looked at me in disbelief. How could someone so blatantly misuse Earl Grey tea! It was almost a sacrilege! Candy and I looked at each other and erupted in laughter. And there it was; that infectious laugh of Candy. When Candy laughed, she laughed with every ounce of her being. Her laugh filled the room, made you grin from ear to ear as you laughed with her and it warmed your soul. I think of Candy and I can still hear that laugh; it was like no other. Of course, Candy scolded me about the paper garbage bag and made me get a proper metal garbage can. Candy and I enjoyed many long conversations and there was always a teapot within arms reach. Candy would be happy to know that I now own two teapots as well as a tea cozy.

Candy was a bridesmaid when I got married in 1977. When our daughter, Alison, was born in 1979, Candy made a beautiful hand embroidered baby quilt. It is something I treasure and hope one day to give to a granddaughter and I will tell her about my dear friend who made it.

Another special memory I have of Candy is our trip to Chicago in 2014. Candy called me and told me she was going to be in Chicago for a conference. Since my daughter, Caroline, lived there I was happy to see them both. Candy and I made dinner plans with Caroline and I found out that I was going to meet Caroline's new boyfriend, Alex, for the first time. We had a very enjoyable evening and when Caroline and Alex left, Candy turned to me and said, "Chris, he's a keeper. I hope one day Gillian meets a great guy like Alex". Caroline and Alex were married in October, 2017 and Candy got her wish. Gillian found her "keeper".

There were times when Candy and I saw each other less frequently but whenever we reconnected it was as if we had seen each other the day before in her kitchen. It was easy to be Candy's friend.

Since Candy's passing I find comfort in the following image: I see Mac holding his favorite coffee mug with a big smile on his face as he watches his beloved "hands on take charge" Daughter baking pies with Heaven's Angels.

R.I.P Candy. You were taken from us much too soon. There were many more memories we wanted to make with you, but you are home now, safe and warm in your father's loving arms. Candy, we love you and miss you.

My deepest condolences to Wendell and Family on your loss.

With much love,

Chris

Candy and I met when I was 6 and she was 3. Our family moved into a house across the street from the McCartney family in Ormstown, Quebec. Although we only lived there a short time it was long enough for a lifelong friendship to take root - more than one friendship in fact, as our mothers became fast friends, and often met downtown in Montreal for lunch and shopping. At first Candy was the little girls who tagged along with the big kids (me and Janet), but as time went by it was Candy and I who just fell in sync with each other, and have been having a live long conversation ever since. Despite the miles between us we kept up the stories of our lives over the phone, and more recently with yearly visits. Candy and I would have to check out all the wool and fabric stores in the area, and stop for several refreshments on our travels. Sometimes we had serious talks, but often we were reduced to helpless laughter. I remember one game our families were playing while spending a week at the Little Dutch Cabins in Plattsburgh, N.Y. that we were not able to finish. We were have such fun, and so much silliness that no one could stay on track. She was my oldest and dearest friend, and I thought we would go on to be crazy old ladies together. Instead I have a wonderful trove of memories, which I hope will grow to include the stories of the children and grandchildren., Love you all.

I met my friend Candy sometime in 1967, when both of us were new students in a brand new consolidated high school -- Chateauguay Valley Regional (CVR). We "clicked" and remained good friends until her death. I used to tease her because she was a full 6 days older than I -- and we always remembered each other's birthday. Candy and Wendell were part of our wedding when my late husband, Howard, and I married in 1975. Wendell was one of Howard's groomsmen, and Candy was thrilled to bits to be able to drive me and my attendants to the church in a shiny new white Cadillac on loan from the local dealership. Howard and I moved to Calgary in 1976 and were delighted when the Siddalls arrived a couple of years later. As we both lived in NW Calgary, Candy and I went on many long walks together along the ravine in Silver Springs. We shared a love of embroidery, sewing and knitting, and in our forties, Candy introduced me to quilting; we spent three years doing regular monthly Saturday sessions at a local shop, and loved every bit of it. Later, she took me to an exhibit of art quilts -- changing my life forevever, as I have developed that as a second career. After my huband died, Candy inadvertently helped me sell my home in Calgary so I could move to the country and develop as an artist. She and Wendell enjoyed driving out to visit me, so they could "exercise" the Jaguar Wendell loved to drive. Candy's friendship has been a special part of my life for over 50 years, and I will miss her dearly. I send my love and sympathy to Wendell and all the family...now and always.

On behalf of our family we wish to express our deep sympathy to the Siddall family at this very sad time. I personally came to know and experience Candace’s giving heart when she took most of an afternoon from her busy schedule to sit with me and provide me information, print outs and diet details that I could pass on to my daughter, Amy. Amy’s daughter, Lilly was born with anaphylactic allergies. I was able to share with Amy this information when Lilly was still an infant. Our family will always be grateful to Candace for her expertise. In those early days Candace provided us more help and guidance than anyone else in the medical system.

The family of Anne MacKay and Wayne Barrett