Candace Renae Watson

1946 - 2012

February 11, 1946 - June 8, 2012

At rest at age 66, Candace was born in Eugene, Oregon, the daughter of James Henry and Doris May Nash, and sister to Perry Nash. Her parents were the developers of Enchanted Meadows in Anchor Bay. Candace grew up in the Santa Rosa, Boonville and Anchor Bay, California areas. She went to school in Santa Rosa and graduated from Montgomery High School, after which she continued her education by attending college. At 18, Candace married and, soon after, started a family with the birth of her children, Dawn, then Scott Sutherland. An avid homemaker and crafter, Candace was firstly a loving mom to her kids. Candace designed for her children a creative and enjoyable environment. Always the mom to drive the carpool, host parties and give her kids an unexpected kiss, her children grew up knowing they were loved and cherished. Candace worked as a teachers' aide and was also a committed volunteer at Twin Hills School, where her children attended. Be it reading to children, decorating the classroom, or providing playground supervision, Candace offered help to students and teachers alike. As her children grew, she continued her work as an aide and volunteer at Twin Hills and then at Apple Blossom School. It was at Apple Blossom School where, years later, Candace met Bob Watson, a then 2nd grade school teacher and soon to be Principal of Twin Hills Union School District. In December 1979, Candace and Bob were married. During this time Candace worked various jobs, including as a real estate agent for Merrill Lynch, a CIBA Contact Lens Rep, and Ralston-Purina Sales Rep, covering the Northern California territory. In 1996, Candace and Bob moved to Anchor Bay where Bob became Superintendent of Manchester School District. Soon after, Candace fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming a produce business owner with the purchase of "The Fruit Basket" in Gualala. In 1997, Candace and Bob moved to Redding, CA when Bob accepted a position as Superintendent of Grant School District. At this time, Candace retired and found gratification through volunteering. Candace's volunteer involvements were expansive and included training her beloved Pomeranians as therapy dogs through the Prescription: Pets Program. She and her Poms would visit nursing homes and hospitals, providing needed therapy to many patients through unconditional love and support. Additionally, Candace volunteered in the READ Program at the Redding Library and Grant School, and most recently the Emblem Club's Literacy Program. Candace was ecstatic over the birth of Scott's daughter, Grace, in 2003. Candace was a wonderfully loving Grammy to Grace, now 9, spending days together baking, making crafts, reading, taking singing lessons and dog training. Candace also consistently participated in Gracie's classrooms, benefiting students there with her loving, kind attention. In her spare time, Candace enjoyed yoga, sailing, gardening, reading, making stained glass, crafts of all sorts, and having fun with family and friends. She loved immersing herself in personal growth, higher education, cooking, health, and happiness. Candace is greatly missed by her husband of 32 years, Bob, her daughter & son-in-law, Dawn & Keith Lawrence, her son, Scott Sutherland, her granddaughter, Grace, her many friends and relatives, and so many people that crossed her loving path. A Celebration of Life for Candace will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Redding Elk's Lodge. There will be a potluck reception after the service. Please bring pictures of Candace to share with family. The theme of the service is "Hawaii: All that Radiates Joy and Beauty." Comfortable attire. In lieu of flowers, please support Candace's favorite programs: www.acawl.org and www.prescriptionpets.org
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com