Marie Stewart McCandless

BURLINGTON - Marie Stewart McCandless of Burlington, NC passed away on September 11, 2016 at the Hospice Home in Burlington, NC.

Marie Elaine Stewart was born the daughter of Robert M. Stewart and Rose Mary Stewart on December 25, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN.

Growing up in Memphis, TN she graduated from Immaculate Conception High School and attended Sienna College, also in Memphis.

She married her partner and her love Herb McCandless on November 26, 1966 in Memphis, TN.

She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Rose Mary.

Marie McCandless is survived by her husband Herb Edward McCandless of Burlington, three brothers, Howard Stewart of The Villages, FL, Barry Stewart of Louisville, KY, and Raymond Stewart of Fort Walton Beach FL; three sons, Herb Edward McCandless, Jr of Burlington, NC, David Cecil McCandless of Raleigh, NC, and Michael Lee McCandless of Burlington, NC; and five grandchildren Jonathon David McCandless, Brett Austin McCandless, Phillip Cecil McCandless, Blake Russell McCandless and Jason Edward McCandless.

Marie was known by her family as a selfless giver and the true matriarch of her family.

In the early years of her 49 year marriage to Herb, his professional endeavors required extensive travel and time away from home.

During this time Marie selflessly worked to raise the children and manage a growing household. She and Herb moved to Burlington, NC in 1970 to accommodate Herb's professional racing career.

In 1976 Herb and Marie founded Herb McCandless Performance Parts, Inc. in Graham, NC; Herb McCandless Performance Parts, Inc. with the brains and organizational skills of Marie and the tenacity of Herb, grew into one of the largest businesses in its industry throughout the 1980's and 1990's.

Herb and Marie retired from McCandless Performance in 1997, which allowed them to travel extensively and enjoy many years together.

Marie began to apply her business knowledge and experience in philanthropic efforts as a consumer advocate with WFMY TV News 2 in Greensboro, NC.

She became a consumer advocate for senior citizens particularly involving cases of fraud and abuse.

Her efforts were recognized by organizations such as AARP and the Attorney General of North Carolina.

She also worked with the AARP providing consumer counseling services and giving speeches and presentations on their behalf throughout North Carolina.

If there was one word to describe Marie throughout her personal and professional life, it would be selfless. Someone that constantly put others ahead of herself, her true joy was found in the success and well being of those around her. Whether acting as the administrative brains of McCandless Performance, the matriarch of her family, or acting on behalf of senior citizens, Marie gave herself constantly for the betterment of those around her.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday September 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Rich and Thompson Chapel in Burlington.

Burial will follow at Alamance Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com.