Memories of Candi Wolfe Atkins

In memory of

Candi Wolfe Atkins

St. Petersburg, FL, USA

August 19, 1946 - February 3, 2021

Aug 19, 1946 - Feb 3, 2021

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Don Wolfe

1960, Tinley Park, IL, USA

Reading all the amazing tributes to Candi from her adult friends and co-workers has helped me fully appreciate her wonderful personality and skill sets as a kid, circa 1957 to 1962.

Like Flip, Candi was also my oldest cousin. Our dads, Mark and Norman were brothers who had grown up together, miraculously surviving their own shenanigans in Alberta, Canada, and northern Michigan. Candi was was the teenage matriarch of six cousins when our family's got together in Indiana or Illinois, (four kids on Norman's side, and two on Mark's). She excelled as a cheery mediator between the personalities and pecking orders of the kids, and was an equally skilled diplomatic liaison between the parents, (who were simply trying to have a cordial visit), and the noisy tribe of cousins who were all shouting to be heard in the six-way kids' conversation, (or trying to focus on another re-run of Tarzan on the living room TV, with the volume at full blast).

Learning about Candi's adult talents at organizing and managing, I realize that she was already a natural leader as a kid. She subtly coached us younger kids to adopt an upbeat façade of good behavior amongst ourselves, in order to create a 'positive group impression' for the adults.

It was Candi's leadership that kept the cousins from aggravating each other to the point that we were exiled to our rooms upstairs 'till we could behave'. Maintaining our good behavior insured that we'd be allowed to play outside whenever we wanted, and to walk as a group to 'Rudy's Cut-Rate' penny candy counter, with about 90 items to choose from. (The highlight of our visit to Tinley Park).

Candi somehow managed to make childhood, adolescence, and teen years all seem like 'the ideal time of life'. She could have been the star of any movie of the 50's and 60's that depicted the happy, wholesome fun and foibles of growing up in America. I always felt she could have been a double for Natalie Wood, if they had lived at the same time.

As a teen, Candi got the envious job of being a 'soda jerk' at the A&W Root Beer stand in Tinley Park. (The little drive-up snack bars shaped like a giant orange root beer barrel). She probably did more to boost root beer sales to High School boys from near and far, than any amount of advertising could have done.

This tribute is turning into a short story, …but I think my cousins will all remember this episode, which in retrospect highlights Candi's skill as a mediator, diplomat, and manager of people. It also reveals Candi's creative compassion which rescued her brother Randy and I from certain starvation for being sent to bed without supper after a neighborhood rock fight.

Candi may have had ample reason to let Randy receive whatever punishments he 'deserved', …but in this case, she realized that we cousins had to maintain a common front in order to protect our reputations in the eyes of our parents.

The parents had gone to Chicago for the afternoon/evening, and Aunt Kay had instructed the tough-as-nails baby sitter 'Val', that the boys were not to leave the yard, and were specifically not to get into any rock fights with the neighbor kids. (Rock fights were an easy form of amusement since many driveways in the neighborhood were paved with 'unlimited' supplies of coarse limestone gravel).

The kids ventured outside, …and Randy and I were challenged to a rock fight by David J. and Stevie W. from across the street. Candi tried remind us of our 'orders', and tried to steer us away or distract us from a rock fight, but Randy and I were being taunted for being 'yellow', and for not crossing the street, ...and for being too 'chicken' to engage in a friendly rock fight.

Randy and I were finally baited into throwing rocks, to defend our honor, and more importantly to defend Randy's reputation for never backing down from a fight. But Randy and I we were trying to 'just miss' the other kids, …and not actually hit them, and therefor we could not actually be accused of rock fighting.

'Somehow', one of our rocks landed right on top of Stevie's head, causing some tears and wailing. Somebody 'told on us' to Val, who sent us upstairs to bed WITHOUT ANY SUPPER! This was a new and shocking punishment for us. Up till that moment, we only knew of 'bed without supper' from Little Rascals episodes, when they were sent to the dormitory at the orphanage, and given only bread and water to eat. It seemed like a very cruel and antiquated form of punishment.

So, Randy and I were sent to bed, and the rest of the kids were told they could not visit us, or give us comfort of any kind. Candi and the others started to worry that we might actually die without food, or suffer permanent brain damage or be stunted in growth or something really bad. As far as any of us knew, a human could not survive if they missed a meal. Eventually Candi and the others snuck water to us, and slipped bread crusts under the door, commiserating in whispers and letting us know that we were not forgotten. Candi seemed to know that this attention from the outside world was essential to keep our spirits from faltering, while Randy and I were in prison camp style lock-down.

Candi was able interceded on our behalf by appealing to Val's better nature for our leniency, and convincing her that Randy and I had repented, and were rehabilitated. So Val finally let us have dinner, but ordered us to stay in bed.

When the parents came home, Randy and I came to the top of the stairs to overhear the babysitter's report on the events of the day, and judge whether we might get into even bigger trouble with our parents. I remember Candi chiming in with her own upbeat explanations and interpretations of the babysitter's report, to buffer the bad news and help our parents feel that nothing horrible had happened, and that the cousins had a pretty normal and happy evening while our parents were gone.

In all my memories of Candi, her eyes were smiling, even if she had to feign anger, disapproval, or concern. She was always a natural ringleader and cheerleader, and was able to make everyone feel happy together. She is no doubt applying her managerial skills in heaven, wherever they are needed.

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Amanda Atkins

Comments:

Jimmy Atkins

Even though that sounds like her that is still an amazing story!! Thank you for sharing it. Even though that sounds like her that is still an amazing story!! Thank you for sharing it. Even though that sounds like her that is still an amazing... Read more

Don Wolfe

Jimmy, I really loved the story of your phone calls to Candi from overseas, and how she'd talk to all your... Read more Jimmy, I really loved the story of your phone calls to Candi from overseas, and how she'd talk to all your Marine drinking buddies,... Read more Jimmy, I really loved the story of your phone calls... Read more

Jimmy Atkins

Yes - there were times the only number we could remember was moms work number - which was an 800 toll free... Read more Yes - there were times the only number we could remember was moms work number - which was an 800 toll free - so those of us awake... Read more Yes - there were times the only number we could remember... Read more

Don Wolfe

Amazing! This story brings to mind the tradition of tough servicemen wearing a tattoo of 'MOM' on their ... Read more Amazing! This story brings to mind the tradition of tough servicemen wearing a tattoo of 'MOM' on their arm. Were you calling... Read more Amazing! This story brings to mind the tradition of... Read more

Jimmy Atkins

Mostly from Tijuana- Mostly from Tijuana- Mostly from Tijuana-

Amanda Atkins

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Amanda Atkins

Susie Duboe Bryant

Candi traveling in style (Orient Express)

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PENNY SMITH

Amanda Atkins

Whitney Gallant

Amanda Atkins

Whitney Gallant

PENNY SMITH

Amanda Atkins

Whitney Gallant

Melissa Foerstel

For many of us she emanated the love for life and instilled the value of pushing for the best. I am forever grateful for that. Her laugh and smile were infectious and would brighten the room. She would make you feel like you were the most special person on the planet. We love you Candi. Thank you for being in our lives.
(Melissa and Mike)

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Amanda Atkins

The Wolfe clan with wee Panda.

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Whitney Gallant

Amanda Atkins

A birthday celebration at Bucas back in our Vegas days...

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Whitney Gallant

Penny Tourangeau

Candi was one of my dearest friends. When Amanda was a baby we all lived together for a time. Whenever I felt down, Candi would pick me up. I will miss her. My deepest condolences to Amanda and Jimmy. (Yes, he will always be "Jimmy" to me!)

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Amanda Atkins

PENNY SMITH

Phil (Flip) Dunn

Six months older than me, my closest cousin and I spent countless hours together in our earliest years. Our mothers, Agnes and Kay, were joined at the hip and so, therefore, were Candi and I. As an only child my cousins were more like brothers and sisters to me. Candi was always our ringleader. Always ready for a new adventure. I will remember her as someone who grabbed life by the lapels and shook it until she got her way. Take care Cuz - I'll see you on the other side.

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Amanda Atkins

Comments:

Amanda Atkins

She loved you very much, Flip. She loved you very much, Flip. She loved you very much, Flip.

Jimmy Atkins

Plenty of memories for me at Agnes house!! She and Kay and Candi are all telling stories together!! And yes... Read more Plenty of memories for me at Agnes house!! She and Kay and Candi are all telling stories together!! And yes - she loved you very... Read more Plenty of memories for me at Agnes house!! She and ... Read more

Phil (Flip) Dunn

Thank you both for the kind words. I have plenty of memories of you, Jimmy, as a child. Amanda, I believe... Read more Thank you both for the kind words. I have plenty of memories of you, Jimmy, as a child. Amanda, I believe was away at school when... Read more Thank you both for the kind words. I have plenty of... Read more

Carrie Rose

2013, Clearwater, FL, USA

Candi, Carrie, and Whitney enjoying one of our favorite breakfast places.

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Amanda Atkins

Carrie Rose

Whitney Gallant

Comments:

Amanda Atkins

Thank you, I love seeing new photos of her smiling Thank you, I love seeing new photos of her smiling Thank you, I love seeing new photos of her smiling

Whitney Gallant

Love this! 🥰🖤 Love this! 🥰🖤 Love this! 🥰🖤

Amanda Atkins

Candi and Frank (both of my first loves)

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Carrie Rose

Amanda Atkins

Whitney Gallant

Carrie Rose

PENNY SMITH

Whitney Gallant

2019

Halloween at the salon 2019. She truly was a blast to be around and understood my humor also. I can't wrap my head around that I won't be seeing her in my chair anymore. She always showed up before me and she always just gave so much love by making everyone around us laugh. 🖤

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Carrie Rose

Comments:

Whitney Gallant

She was absolutely beautiful inside and out. She was absolutely beautiful inside and out. She was absolutely beautiful inside and out.

Amanda Atkins

She always said great things about you! She always said great things about you! She always said great things about you!

Amanda Atkins

Carrie Rose

Comments:

Amanda Atkins

When then mayor Diane Feinstein named a day after Candi in San Francisco in 1984, for her work in the Tenderloin.... Read more When then mayor Diane Feinstein named a day after Candi in San Francisco in 1984, for her work in the Tenderloin. When then mayor Diane Feinstein named a day after Candi... Read more

Whitney Gallant

This is absolutely amazing! Your mom was such a positive light to everyone she ever met on her life journey.... Read more This is absolutely amazing! Your mom was such a positive light to everyone she ever met on her life journey. I consider myself... Read more This is absolutely amazing! Your mom was such a positive... Read more

Colleen Bloom

Dear Candi!! Your spirit, smile and humor made the (regulatory) medicine go down! I remain grateful to this day that you welcomed me to the field of HUD operations and training. Candi was a living icon and her memory will continue to bring joy to all of us so fortunate to know her. My sincere condolences to the family, and all who mourn her loss.

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Carrie Rose

Amanda Atkins

Candi with Jim (Marines boot camp)

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Carrie Rose

PENNY SMITH

Comments:

Jimmy Atkins

Look at that smile - she knew we were going shopping afterward!!!! Look at that smile - she knew we were going shopping afterward!!!! Look at that smile - she knew we were going shopping... Read more

Whitney Gallant

Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

I remember meeting Candi about 8/9 years ago. She walked into our salon and all I heard before meeting her was your client Candi "from Las Vegas" is here. And when I came out to meet her I knew we were going to be best friends. She was a firecracker. She ALWAYS made me laugh. She ALWAYS gave the best advice and before I knew it I looked up to her and her opinions every time I saw her. She quickly became family. My heart is broken and I wish I got to see her one last time and my only regret and she never got to meet my offspring who I was just on maternity leave for recently. It will not be the same behind the chair without her. I'll miss her stories of adventures for sure but I am extremely grateful and blessed she walked into my salon that day and my life will ALWAYS forever be grateful that it was enriched by her humor and love. I know wherever you are, you are raising laughter and hell. Ill miss you with all my heart. Love you so much!

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Carrie Rose

Amanda Atkins

Carrie Rose

Comments:

Amanda Atkins

Candi during her days of cleaning up the SH Tenderloin. Candi during her days of cleaning up the SH Tenderloin. Candi during her days of cleaning up the SH Tenderloin.... Read more

Jimmy Atkins

With you by her side!!! I remember those days!!! With you by her side!!! I remember those days!!! With you by her side!!! I remember those days!!!

Diane Johnson

Candi was such an amazing person. Her humor like “set your hair on fire “ amoung other things is what got me through the detailed HUD training. Her resident stories were an assortment of humor, compassion and her live for the elderly.
I am sorry to loose such an amazing friend and great person.

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