Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Trina McCandless Obituary
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Trina McCandless
Margaret McCandless
September 19, 2011
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.
Nancy Shaw
September 15, 2011
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
Laurie Epler
September 8, 2011
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.
jane atherton
September 7, 2011
Trina sparkled far brighter then any
piece of jewelry she ever designed.
She was the gem !
Russell Blodgett
September 7, 2011
Our deepest sympathies.
Neighbors Russ Blodgett and Anne Montanaro
Michele Longo Eder
September 5, 2011
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
Antonio Suarez
September 5, 2011
Trina was a talented, caring colleague and friend. She will be sadly missed.
John Vivian
September 5, 2011
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 much insight into custom jewelry that as an appraiser I had no access or appreciation for at that time. She truely opened my eyes. I will mourn her loss, and miss her smile, but rejoice that she is now resting comfortably beyond the reach of pain and discomfort.
Robin Stimmel-Singh
September 4, 2011
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.
Sherry Geer
September 4, 2011
This is so sad... Trina made a ring I designed for myself that is still very special to me.
I was hoping to collaberate w/ her again in the future.
She was truly a bright spot.
Your energy stays with me, Tirna.
Mary Pat Remmel
September 4, 2011
Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved sister. I hope the coming days and months bring peaceful memories that will comfort you in your loss. Please send my sympathies to your mom and family.
Fondly,
Mary Pat Remmel
(Burdick)
September 4, 2011
Erick,
We have been thinking of you and your family. And are very sorry for your loss.
Love Antoinette & Brady
Mary Jane Chmielecki
September 4, 2011
To the McCandless Family:
Trina was truly a lovely person and I had the great pleasure of knowing her. She made my wedding and engagement bands 28 years ago and bailed me out more than once on replacing "lost stones." She's truly missed and I am sorry for your lost.
September 4, 2011
Erick,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family.
Much Love,
Amy Loudis
September 4, 2011
McCandless family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim Longley
209 Exchange Place
Allen TX 75013
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Trina McCandless's name
Memorial Events
for Trina McCandless
How to support Trina's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Trina McCandless's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
