Candice Breen

Candice Rostock-Brynjulfson-Breen, a woman whose laughter was as beautiful as her spirit, passed away in her sleep early morning in her home with her husband Robert, daughter, Holly and loyal dog, Gracie on July 29, 2025, in Roy, Utah. Born on September 4, 1950, in Long Prairie, MN, Candice, or Candi as she was affectionately known in her youth, was loyal, loving, fun and spirited to all who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Breen; her loving daughters, Shelly and Holly Brynjulfson; her caring stepson, David Breen; and her cherished doggie, Gracie. Candice was preceded in death by her parents, Olive Blais-Rostock and John Rostock, as well as her siblings, Denny, Jim, Jan, Sharon, and Cori.
Candice, an alumna of Long Prairie High School, carried the lessons of her youth with her through life. At the tender age of 12, she ventured from her small town of Long Prairie to Minneapolis to work as a nanny for Shelly and Joel Itman, whose influence would shape her future in profound ways. It was a testament to their bond that Candice named her firstborn after her mentor Shelly Itman. After Candice's daughters were a bit older, she earned her dental assistant diploma and started working in Tampa, FL, before eventually settling in Utah, where she worked in various roles that supported her family, from Hill Air Force Base to the Social Security and IRS offices, and even assisting in special needs classes at T. H. Bell JR High School.
Candice's zest for life was evident in her ability to forge lasting friendships wherever she went. From her dear high school friend Gloria Lembke to her great friend Annette Lodato in Florida, and later, ever supportive friends like Pat Pool and Debbie Wenzel in UT. Candice's social tapestry was as rich and varied as her interests. Her niece DawnLee was a constant friend and became a daily source of laughter and support. Candice had a special knack for nurturing young women, neighbors, and coworkers through their toughest times. Always helping someone in need.
Her home was a hub of cultural exchange and culinary delights with her friends and family, where recipes were shared, and dinner guests were frequent, and the aroma of fresh baked bread or a lovely dinner often wafting through the house. Candice's creativity knew no bounds. She was always creating or celebrating other's creations. She was an expert seamstress, learning from her mother Olive, crafting everything from miniskirts in high school, much to the chagrin of her teachers, to matching mother-daughter outfits. Candice took many arts and crafts classes in her life. Just like her mother, Olive, she loved ceramic painting and even learned cake decoration. Her artistic passions included watercolor and Tole painting, filling her home with beauty from all her wonderful art. Artistic expression has definitely been handed down in this family, from Olive to Candice with cooking, sewing and painting ceramics. Candice as always setting an example for her daughters by creating and painting. Shelly is an accomplished professional chef and Holly a professional oil painter and muralist. Candice, always supporting artists and her family, has given her granddaughter Ava a sewing machine to pursue her passion in that art form as her grandson Ben pursues the culinary arts.
Candice and Robert, long-time parishioners of Saint Rose of Lima and Holy Family Church, enjoyed their church community, both becoming Eucharistic ministers. In 1995 they hosted Nicola and Frances through Project Children, a unique program pairing Irish Protestant and Catholic children with U.S. families fostering understanding and unity. Candice, becoming interested in Saints and Apparitions, traveled with her mother-in-law Lu Breen to Medjugorje, Bosnia, Herzegovina. Candice and Robert enjoyed retirement relaxing, traveling through Europe with the highlights of Lourdes and Fatima. They also traveled to visit family and spent time gardening with Candice's sweet little dog always by her side.
In the spirit of Candice's comedic, insightful and sometimes sarcastic sensibility, let us remember her with a quote from the beloved Robin Williams: "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Candice certainly never lost hers, and her funny, spirited, loving and creative nature will be deeply missed.
As we bid farewell to Candice Breen, let us celebrate the life of a woman who painted the world with the vibrant colors of her personality, and whose legacy of love, laughter, and artistry will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be part of her masterpiece.
A viewing will be held at Leavitt's Mortuary 836 36th Street, Ogden on Monday, August 11th from 6-8 pm with a rosary to take place at 7:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day on Tuesday, August 12th at Holy Family Catholic Church 1100 E 5550 S, Ogden at 11:00 AM.