Obituary

It is with deep regret that we announce the death Candace A. Werve, our wife, mother, grandmother and great friend. She passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022 at her home in Laguna Niguel, California.

Candy spent her early years in Los Angeles and attended St. Bernard elementary school. As a teen she moved to Omaha, Nebraska, graduated from Duchesne Academy High School and attended Creighton University, where she met and married Frederick W. Werve, her beloved husband of 57 years. After 7 years as an Air Force Wife, Candy returned with Fred to California in 1972. They settled and raised their three daughters, Kristen, Wendy and Alexandra, the first New Year’s Day baby born in Laguna Niguel (1973). Candy was a 50-year resident of Laguna Niguel.

For over 35 years Candy, taught school as a Reading Specialist with the Capistrano Unified School District. (Crown Valley School, Moulton School, and Niguel Elementary) Upon her retirement she continued her teaching talents by guiding and supporting hundreds of students through elementary, middle, high school, and even college. Candy loved teaching and was very invested in the success of her students. Candy’s passion for teaching also extended to coaching and for several years, she coached volleyball at St. Catherine’s Elementary School as well as Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

In addition to teaching, and enjoying Pilates and traveling, Candy also loved playing golf with her friends. She and Fred were long-time members of El Niguel Country Club and Candy was a member of the elite “Three-Peat Club,” having the honor of scoring three holes-in-one. She was also delighted to have birdied the 10^th hole at The Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Candy’s greatest joy, however, was her family. In addition to Fred and their daughters, Candy had ten (10) grandchildren who were blessed with the most generous and thoughtful Nana on the planet. She was proud of each of them and was honored to be their “Nana.”

Candy is survived by her mother Katherine Wilson, her sisters Patty Garczynski of San Diego, CA, Susan Mikkelson (Glen) of Pocatello, ID, Candace Jewett of Mobridge, SD, brother Rick Wilson of Dillon, Montana, daughters Kristen Howley (Scott) of Huntington Beach, CA, Wendy Werve (D’Arcy), Chantilly, VA, and Alexandra Koleno (Greg) of Portland OR, as well as grandchildren Lauren and Christopher Howley, Matthew and Andrew Lichtblau, Quintin, Cameron and Gabrielle Roper, and Madeleine, Kaitlin and Isabella Koleno.

The Werve family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to Liz Tamayo, a very special caregiver who gave Candy such great care and comfort during Candy’s last days.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a charitable donation be made as follows:

St. Joseph’s Indian School, Post Office Box 326, Chamberlain, SD

Or

Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, NY 10306

 A Vigil Service will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022 at 7:00 PM at O’Connor Mortuary Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, April 2 at 12:00 PM at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Laguna Niguel.