Helen “Candy” Pravitz, 68, of Stevensville, Montana, passed away unexpectedly on August 20, 2025. She was born on November 4, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, to Earl Charles Santy and Helen Justine Santy, the second of their five children.

Candy attended Sacred Heart Croatian Catholic Grade School and later Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago before continuing her studies at Loyola University Chicago, where she deepened her strong work ethic and faith that guided her throughout her life.

While attending Loyola University Chicago, Candy met the love of her life, Kenneth Bruce Pravitz, over a foosball table. She was the only one able to stop Ken’s shot on goal; he knew then that he had met his match and had to marry her. The two were married in April of 1978 at Sacred Heart Church in Chicago, surrounded by family and friends. Shortly after, they moved to California to begin their new life together, building a home filled with faith, love, and laughter.

Her greatest joy, however, came in becoming a mother to her son, Kenny. She thrived in that role — serving as room mother, sports mom, and embracing every task a devoted Catholic school mom could possibly take on. Candy’s devotion to family extended far beyond her son; she remained deeply involved in the lives of her four nephews. Her joy multiplied when she became a grandmother. Her grandchildren, Alice Louise and Kenneth Earl Michael (“Kemp”), were the shining lights of her later years, and she cherished every moment with them.

A proud American and true patriot, Candy loved her country and delighted in celebrating every holiday with unmatched enthusiasm. Her home was always filled with warmth and cheer, thoughtfully decorated in a way that brought joy to all who visited.

A devout Catholic, Candy lived her faith daily — not only in word but in action. She enjoyed arts and crafts, music, gardening, baking, organizing, animals, sports, and was especially known for her adventurous spirit behind the wheel, with a love for driving fast.

Candy is survived by her loving husband, Ken of 47 years; her beloved son, Kenny; daughter-in-law, Stasi; and her cherished grandchildren, Alice and Kemp. She is also survived by her sister, Sophia Rose Dodd (Laurin); her brother, Jim Santy (Deana); and her nephews, James, Joseph, John, and Justin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Helen Santy; her brother, Earl Santy; and the many aunts and uncles who helped raise her with love and care.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo, California, with a Rosary beginning at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend. For those unable to be there in person, the service will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/YvKjnnqAl2k?feature=share . A reception will follow on site.

In lieu of flowers, the family’s greatest wish is for Mass intentions to be offered in Candy’s honor. Those who would still like to send flowers may arrange delivery to O’Connor Mortuary on Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills, CA, by 2:00 p.m. by September 7 ^th under the name Helen Pravitz.

Candy’s legacy of love, patriotism, laughter, loyalty, joy, and celebration — along with her devotion to family and faith — will live on in all who had the blessing of knowing her.