Candace Renee Thomas

On May 1, 2021, at 5:29 pm, Candace Renee Thomas (mahkwa ihkwê ka nipawit nipink "Bear Woman Standing by the Water") passed away peacefully at home in Fort Qu'Appelle with all of her family by her side. She was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, on June 12, 1988. She was 32 years old.

Candace grew up in Fort Qu'Appelle, where she enjoyed spending most of her time with her family and friends. She was always a caring, loving person as she asked to babysit everyone's kids and felt so much joy in doing so. Throughout her years growing up in the Fort, her favourite things to do were spending quality time with her grandpa watching wrestling in the evenings, driving around with friends, collecting CDs, listening to music, watching soap operas with her mom, and hanging out with her siblings. Ever since she was little, Candace was always good at speaking her mind.

In 2008 Candace met Paul, and they immediately fell in love with one another. They were a match made in heaven and completely inseparable. In 2011 they welcomed their son, Jacob Joseph Thomas-Grandel. From that moment, Candace became the world's best mother. Jacob's birthday celebrations were so special because every birthday cake was made from scratch. Every birthday had a theme in which the decorations were handmade with Candace's creative mind. She absolutely loved to bake, whether it was the family's birthday cakes, bread, cinnamon buns, pies, squares and much more. In 2014, she made her sister Melissa the most beautiful white, red velvet 2 tier wedding cake with red trimming and roses on top, which she put her heart and soul into. Every Halloween, Candace spent endless hours making Jacob detailed costumes that could not be replicated.

Candace set the bar high for her siblings. She was highly family-oriented, and it showed throughout her beautiful life that she created for herself and her family. Every holiday was special to her, and she made it known by always offering to host the family dinners. She worked so hard to ensure her son, nieces and nephews created precious memories together, enjoying Easter egg hunts, Christmas stockings, movie and game nights, and most importantly, family dinners.

Candace is survived by her loving husband Paul Grandel, her son Jacob who was her entire world, her mother Tena, her two fathers Bradley Episkenew and Wallace Obey, Grandfathers Roderick Thomas & Clayton Episkenew, sisters Melissa (Gary), Tanya (Donavin), brothers Bradford, William, Daylan, Bradley, and Brandon, all of her "babies" Rosemary, Acacia, Maddie, Taysia, Bella, Olive, Benjamin, and Darren, her favourite aunties Sharon (Brian), Juanita (Brad), Esther, her uncle Donny (Larissa) and an incredible number of other aunts, uncles and cousins. Candace is also survived by her special fur "homie" Binx, which she truly believed was sent to her by her late uncle Ricky to comfort her during her most challenging battle.

Candace is predeceased by her grandmother Ida Thomas, Kokum Viola Peigan, Kokum Joanne Episkenew, Mushom William "Billy" Pasqua, father-in-law Douglas William Grandel, Uncle Richard Thomas, and her special Auntie Dianne Obey.

Candace will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. At Candace's request, there will be no wake or funeral service held.

Miss Me – But Let Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room;

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little – but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared.

Miss me – but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It’s all part of the Master’s plan.

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me – but let me go.

— Author Unknown