Candy Gladys Carter's Obituary
Candy Gladys Carter was born on December 2, 1954, in Limestone, Maine, to Strawther Carter, Sr., and Gladys Johnson Carter. Though her parents hailed from Newport, Rhode Island, Candy's early years unfolded during her father's duties at Presque Isle Air Force Base in Presque Isle, Maine. She was often questioned about this, but Candy was not a nickname; it was her given name.
After living in England, France, and Benicia, CA, Candy's journey led her to San Diego for her final year of high school, culminating in her graduation from Point Loma High School. Her pursuit of education extended to business college, propelling her into a successful career as an esteemed Administrative Assistant. This reputation followed her wherever she worked.
In 1978, Candy embraced her most treasured role as the devoted mother of her son, Miguel Dimitri Nauta. She found endless joy in being his mother. Their bond was unbreakable. She said Miguel was "her love, her friend, and her unwavering support."
Family and friends held high places in Candy's heart. Among her siblings – brother Strawther Carter, Jr., and sisters Novanna Hunt, Claudia Thompson, and Garnet Jackson – Candy enjoyed kinship, friendship, and lifelong companionship. Candy often said that she had several "best friends." A chance encounter at a trolley station led to enduring friendships with Joyce Berghuis and her sister Jeanette Bochniak, forming a lasting relationship with them and their family.
Inheriting her mother's talent, Candy's skills as a seamstress were unmatched. Although both were highly talented, her mother insisted that Candy was the gifted one. Candy crafted designer-quality clothing and home accessories. Sister, nieces, and great-nieces were the happy recipients of beautifully fashioned clothing. Candy said she enjoyed "messing with flowers and plants." Her messing with plants produced beautiful, healthy plants for herself and her friends. She was the one who could keep that delicate store-bought orchid alive after the first blooming. Candy was also a marvelous baker. For many years, she made her mother's beloved melt-in-your-mouth homemade rolls for family gatherings. Her lemon pie, flan, and birthday cakes were mouth-watering.
She was a dedicated and enthusiastic Star Trek fan, a true Trekkie. She owned an extensive collection of Star Trek movies and paraphernalia. She developed an avid interest in Korean customs and traditions late in life. She was a fan of K-pop culture, Korean art, and Koreanovelas or K-dramas. To better understand the culture, she enrolled in a Korean language course.
Candy was preceded in death by her parents. She left behind a legacy of love and warmth cherished by her son Miguel; brother Strawther Carter, Jr.; sisters Novanna Hunt, Claudia Thompson, and Garnet Jackson; nieces Monique Hunt, Teri Thompson, and Dawn Jackson; nephews Rossmon (Chisoni) Hunt, Marcus Thompson, Chris Carter, and Dominic Carter; and cousin Roslyn Brown. She also left a multitude of "best friends," Monica Alfaro, Joyce Berghuis, Jeanette Bochniak, Lydia Gonzales, Jennifer Hamilton, Jennifer Jenkins, Jordana Koja-Volk, Karina Lewis, and Roxanne Ware, whose presence enriched her life.
We take comfort in envisioning our mother, Gladys, welcoming Candy with open arms at the gates of heaven. We imagine that the two of them are now most likely busy making designer robes for the angels.
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