Groton, CT, Connecticut
Groton - Trina McCandless, 58, of Groton, died at William W. Backus Hospital on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011.
Trina was born Jan. 21, 1953, in Albany, N.Y. to the late Dr. Frederick D. and Melissa L. McCandless. She grew up in Slingerlands, N.Y. and attended the Albany Academy for Girls.
Trina cultivated her talent as a jewelry designer and artisan, graduating with a bachelor of fine arts, magna cum laude from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1979. In 1980, she opened her business designing and making, as well as repairing, jewelry, adding appraisals in 1992.
An accomplished bench jeweler, designer and appraiser, she was a graduate gemologist (GIA), a certified jewelry appraiser (ISA), and a certified senior member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
Trina was an active and valued member of numerous prestigious jewelry and appraisal associations, the Mystic Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Southeastern CT Women's Network.
Trina was an avid gardener who delighted her family and neighbors with gifts of flowers and honey from her beehives. She was an intrepid world traveler, and an enthusiastic sailor. Trina enjoyed sharing and making wine with friends, and was an active member of her book club. Throughout her life, Trina rescued and nurtured cats and dogs, giving them a loving home.
Trina was a beautiful and talented woman with a ready smile, inspiring others with her kindness, generosity and humor. Trina was known for her buoyant personality, a joy to be around.
Trina is survived by her mother, Melissa McC. Palmer; Andy and Onnie Palmer and their son, Tony; David Palmer; Erick McCandless and Antoinette Villani; Laurie Palmer and Debbie Gould; Sarah (McC.) and Frank Slingerland, and their daughters, Ericka and Emily Slingerland; her uncle, Fritz and Penelope Lord; as well as many cousins; and numerous friends and colleagues; two cats and her beloved dog Zahra.
Visiting hours will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the CT Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Road, Quaker Hill, CT 06375 (www.cthumane.org) or the William W. Backus Hospital, Oncology Care, 326 Washington St., Norwich, CT 06320 (www.backushospital.org/support ).
Please visit www.byles.com for obituary and to sign the online guestbook.
Dear Aunt Melissa, Erick, and Sarah,
It still stuns me, to think we won't get to hear Trina's laugh nor enjoy her stories with her now. I feel very deeply sad. You have my love and great sympathy. I will continue to celebrate her life and hold Trina closely in my thoughts.
Margaret McCandless
September 19, 2011 | Holden, MA
To The McCandless Family;
Trina was a treasured friend and valued colleague. I will miss our laughs and lengthy chats. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Nancy Shaw
September 15, 2011 | Mystic, CT
I was a customer of Trina's for the past twenty years or so. I always enjoyed her sense of humor. I was very sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed for years to come. God Bless to all.
Laurie Epler
September 08, 2011 | Griswold, CT
Trina sparkled far brighter then any
piece of jewelry she ever designed.
She was the gem !
jane atherton
September 07, 2011 | Westerly, RI
Our deepest sympathies.
Neighbors Russ Blodgett and Anne Montanaro
Russell Blodgett
September 07, 2011 | Groton, CT
Dear Erick,and family
Remembering Trina as a vibrant, talented colorful person; even as a young woman you knew she would be a creative force in her own and many other lives. I am so sorry, Erick and Sarah, that you have lost your sister and, to Melissa, your daughter. I understand. With love,
Michele
Michele Longo Eder
September 05, 2011 | Newport, OR
Trina was a talented, caring colleague and friend. She will be sadly missed.
Antonio Suarez
September 05, 2011 | Mystic, CT
I, like many of my colleagues within the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, will feel the loss of Trina for many years into the future. Although I have known her for only some 10+ years, I always found her looking only on positive side of an issue; always willing and ready to help. I will always remember her for her passion in the creation of custom jewelry, and the way she expressed herself through her jewelry. The class she taught at a NAJA seminar several years ago gave me so...
John Vivian
September 05, 2011 | Lacey, WA
Erick and Sarah and Mrs. McCandless,
I heard about Trina's passing through an email from a schoolmate and Patti Barnaby Koltes. I had a long talk with her a few months ago. I shall miss her deeply. My friend I grew up with. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.
Robin Stimmel-Singh
September 04, 2011 | Fredericksburg, VA