Candace L. Parker

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Candice L. Parker, 68, passed away April 27, 2014, at her home in Islamorada in the Florida Keys with her husband at her side.

Candy was born July 17, 1945, in Greencastle to Cass and Madonna Balay.

She graduated from Greencastle High School, Indiana University and the Kent School of Law in Chicago.

As a teenager, Candy was a Candy Striper at the local hospital and began her work experience in a local jewelry store. She was editor of the 1963 Greencastle Minaret High School Yearbook and began developing her musical talents in high school by playing on Coke bottles.

Candy then studied and played the flute at Indiana University, winning national recognition and several scholarships. Afterward, Candy moved on to study law and worked for several law firms in Indianapolis before becoming the head of legal administration at an Indiana development company which managed more than 40 Midwestern projects during the housing boom of the 1970s.

Candy and Bill were married in Indianapolis on Oct. 21, 1978, and together managed and then directed a planned acquisition of a regional security company.

She and Bill, her husband of 35 years, have lived in Islamorada since 1998, moving there from Zionsville. In their marriage, the couple traveled extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Europe and hared and enjoyed a wonderful, bountiful life.

Candy's love of American history and politics knew few bounds. She read incessantly, becoming an expert in her knowledge of America's past and its influence on the politics of today. After a nine-year battle with breast cancer, Candy's courageous battle ended. She maintained her courage, dignity, and love of life until the end.

Candy is survived by her husband, Bill, and her son, Jeff Faires, of Brownsburg, who she considers her greatest joy and accomplishment.

Candy's wishes are that her ashes be spread on the waters at Cheeca Rocks in the Florida Keys where both her mother and father, Madonna and Cass Balay, currently rest in peace. Candy also had a sister, Jan, who passed away in 1999.

In lieu of flowers, Candy has requested that donations be made to the Islamorada Mariner's Hospital Oncology Department whose help in her battle with cancer was of the highest quality. The humanity and compassion of the individuals there are a credit to the care giving profession.

Donations can be sent in Candy's name to Mariners Health Foundation Oncology Services at 91500 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. For more information on gift giving, call 305-434-1665 or send email to wendyrg@baptisthealth.net.