Candace Thornton Biddle

Candace Thornton Biddle, 77, of Louisville passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 21, 2024, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
She was born on July 22, 1947, in Covington, KY, Kenton Co., a daughter to the late Jesse William Thornton and Nell Jean Craddock Thornton. She is the sister of Charlie Thornton (Peggy), of Walton, KY.
Candy attended Walton Verona School in Walton, KY and earned her Ed.S degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Her life's calling was nurturing children, especially those who needed the most support and love. She taught in Jefferson County Public Schools for over 25 years, the majority of which were spent as special education teacher at Ruth Dunn Elementary. Retiring from JCPS in 1996, she continued to impact generations of children as a kindergarten, art, and drama teacher at Keneseth Israel Preschool from 1996 to 2024. Outside the classroom she volunteered her free time to both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and countless dance teams, school bands, clubs, and sports teams.
The only thing Candy held above education was her commitment to family. Her ability to throw a family gathering was unmatched, and the inviting smells from her kitchen brought all to her table, where everyone had a seat. She found joy in sharing the love that was baked into each casserole, cookie, and cupcake. Candy never missed a dance recital, band performance, art show, or ball game for her kids and grandkids. She was a KY State Fair baking legend, a world traveler, an arts patron, and a fiercely loyal friend. An outspoken advocate of women's rights and public education, one of her unmet wishes was to vote in the 2024 election. Her family asks that you honor her memory by voting your conscience this November.
Candy is survived by her children, DJ Biddle (Nicole Breyette) and Jessica Zemanski (Andrew) as well as her beloved step-children Lisa Biddle-Puffer, David Biddle (Pam), and Daniel Biddle. She leaves to cherish her memory grandchildren Michael and Chloe Puffer, Aaron and Ryan Biddle, Benjamin Biddle, and Madeline and Violet Zemanski. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins, whose lives she was always keen to be a part of, regardless of time and distance. Special thanks to her dear friends who provided great care and comfort to her during her cancer journey.
There will be no services at this time, however, a memorial is planned for October 13th.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Louisville Free Public Library Children's Literacy Fund.
Ratterman Funeral Home, St. Matthews is entrusted with arrangements.