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In memory of
Candi Wolfe Atkins
August 19, 1946 - February 3, 2021
Aug 19, 1946 - Feb 3, 2021
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Candi's obituary
Born 1946 in Chicago, IL to Catherine (Kay) Coughlin and Norman R. Wolfe, Candi was the oldest of four hardy, midwestern children. Offspring of second generation Irish-Americans and American bootleggers, Candi had a strong wanderlust from an early age. Her adventurous spirit eventually created a charismatic traveler who never met a stranger. But before she fled West, family stories of her formative years describe a playful sister – like the one who aided and abetted in the stealing of freshly baked pumpkin pies. She went on to become a popular Tinley Park HS cheerleader, skilled debate club member, cherished homecoming queen, outgoing band member, occasional drag racer, and overall friend to many.
Her life was a rich tapestry of colors and experiences, and involved voyages that movies are made of – like traveling on The Orient Express, cruising across the equator, and visiting 6 of 7 continents. Candi was a force of nature when needed, a source of cheer if called upon, and always the life of the party. She achieved milestones few humans have accomplished yet could warm the heart of any critic. She witnessed important moments in history, like the independence of Hong Kong, and gazed at wonders few had heard of, like Iguazú Falls.
She was compared to the Unsinkable Molly Brown on more than one occasion, and relished it.
Candi was a mother of two, widowed after 7 marriages to 6 husbands, and funnier than most humans will ever be. Her weddings were renowned, the last of which took place on a former presidential yacht sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. She was an entertainer in every sense of the word, and had brief moments of fame like when she and her bestie participated in an Entresto photo shoot. Her mantra for many years was that if she had the urge to workout, she’d lie down until it passed. She was the most skilled of storytellers, often enthralling seminar audiences with “the airplane story” or “Earl and his crazy glue”.
She wore many professional hats throughout her life – as a property manager, a public speaker, a housing consultant and trainer, a business owner, and even as a caterer in her early years. Attendees of her trainings would seek her out at conferences, because her delivery of the material was more entertaining than anyone else there. In 1984 the city of San Francisco named a day after her for her efforts to promote affordable housing and resources in The Tenderloin. And she was a key player in revitalizing affordable housing in New Orleans post-Katrina.
Candi had a serious love for shopping, having shut down floors of department stores with her epic endeavors. She was a firm believer that a trip to the mall could fix most ailments. And she never purchased simply one of anything; if she liked the shoes she’d buy multiple pairs because she never wanted to run out of her favorite things.
She is survived by her son James (wife Lisa) and daughter Amanda; siblings Randy (wife Gail), Cathay (husband Burt), and Kevin (wife Roberta); grandchildren Haley, Nattalie and Jake; dearest friend Penny; and so many family members and loved ones. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Peter, parents Norm and Kay, close friends, and others. Candi was a kind, generous, smart, witty and a loyal friend. To say the world lost a bright and shiny light is an understatement. A day (or an hour) spent with Candi was always a special time, filled with laughs, hugs, stories and MANY smiles. Her laugh and presence will be sorely missed, but rest assured she is watching and ‘advising’ from above.
Visit Candi’s memorial page at everloved.com/life-of/candi-a…. A virtual celebration of life event will be held on Sunday Feb 28th at 12 pm PST, with info available on her memorial page. Donations may be made in her name to the following – wingsprogram.com; bnaibrith.org; liveyourdream.org.
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to WINGS Program, Inc..
$25.00
Raised by 1 person
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Recent contributions
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to WINGS Program, Inc..
$25.00
Raised by 1 person
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
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Created with love by
Amanda Atkins (Candi's daughter).
