It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother Candace Danielle Gilmore-Stephensen at the age of 66 years, peacefully surrounded by her husband, daughters, and son in-laws on August 16, 2024.
She is survived by her husband Mitch, her daughters Sara (Chad) and Mary (Taylor), her sisters Suzanne (Robert) and Melanie, as well as numerous relatives and friends.
Candace was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Denis and Ellen-Anne Gilmore on June 7th, 1958. At the age of 18, she began work at the Royal Bank of Canada where she was an employee for well over thirty years before retiring as the Manager of Operations for Private Banking. She met her husband Mitch while working part-time at a record store and they were married on April 8, 1989. Soon after Mitch graduated from Law School, Candace and Mitch moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1990, where they raised their two daughters.
She and her family enjoyed travelling extensively to places such as Australia, Korea, France, Portugal, Italy, Spain, England, Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, and various places across Canada and in the USA, as well as spending time at her summer cottage in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Candace was well known in the Girl Guides of Canada having been a leader of Sparks, Brownies, and Pathfinders, and serving as the Commissioner for the Calgary NorthStar District.
Candace always knew what to say, had a positive upbeat attitude, and was always happy to help others. She was the ultimate problem-solver with no problem too big or small. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and caring empathy was beyond compare. She made everyone’s life better and constantly put others before herself. She cared so much for everyone around her. Anyone who crossed paths with Candace knew how special she was. There really are no words that can describe just how special she was and how much of a loss will always be felt.
10 Comments
I worked with Candace at Calgary Main Branch many years ago and she was such an amazing colleague and human! We shared many, many laughs together at work, and most were because of her wit and sense of humor. Sending condolences to Candace’s family and keeping you all in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Dear Mitch, Sara and Mary,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Wishing you peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.
My sincere condolences, I was fortunate to have worked with Candace for a time when I was back in Calgary and it was always a pleasure to be in her company. My thoughts are with you and all those feeling the loss.
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of Candace. She was such a bright light, I fondly remember our time working together in Private Banking, so many laughs. My sincere condolences to your family, your Mom was beloved.
Sincere condolences to Candace’s family. I worked with her at Winnipeg Main Branch in the 80s and we both landed in Calgary where we reconnected through RBC. She was such a wonderful, caring person who made so many RBC friends over the years. I’m so sorry to hear this sad news.
Sincerely
Tracey Jonasson
Dear Mitch, Sara and Mary,
It is terrible to know about your loss and I express my sincere deepest sympathy to you all. The comfort and joy of having a friend like Candace maybe taken away, but indelible memories of our true friendship will endure forever in my heart. Gone but never forgotten.
Rest in peace my dearest friend.
Josie Vergara
My thoughts and prayers are with Candace’s family. I was privileged to know Candace at RBC and she was such a lovely person to work with.
I’m so saddened to learn of Candace’s passing in the prime of life. Candace was one of the loveliest people I’ve ever known. She was thoughtful, funny, caring, super smart and happy. We met when I joined RBC in 1980. She welcomed this country bumpkin into her circle, and we had such fun at work and play. Distance reduced our visits over time but seeing a photo or recalling some silliness we got up to always made her feel close. She’ll always be in my heart. My deepest condolences to Mitch, Sara and Mary. May you find comfort in the times ahead; I’ll be thinking of you. Take care. Craig.
I worked with Candace for many years. She was kind, thoughtful, and very knowledgable.
Three special memories:
Candace helped me plan a trip to Italy. She and I shared a love for the movie A Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim. And she introduced me to Mah Jong fortune telling cards.
Sending condolences to her family….
A truly special and beautiful soul…
So sorry for your loss.
Marilyn Kaye & Greg MacGillivray