Candace Hammond
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Candace Wells Hammond passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska.
Candace died of complications from Metastatic Cancer. She was 78 years old.
A lifelong resident of Farmer, NC, Candace graduated from Farmer School and continued education at the Toby-Coburn School for Fashion Careers in New York City.
The design-based education in New York, and her introduction to the fashion and arts scene of 1960's Greenwich Village, formulated her lifelong passion of high style. Her style was her signature. It was original and unconventional. It radiated from her personal appearance to her surroundings at home, and it influenced her choices of work. Candace's appearance was eye catching and bold with a love of hats, fine furs, beads, jewels and fancy shoes. She surrounded herself at home with splashes of bright colors, walls laden with art, furnishings in lavish upholsteries and tables covered with collections. Candace was a published writer and illustrator and worked other jobs during her life in the creative fields of decorating, design, and landscaping.
There was an adventurous and fearless side to Candace that took her on multiple and sometimes lengthy trips to various parts of the world. Many times, alone. One of those trips was more than 35 years ago to Roatan, Honduras. Roatan became her home away from home. She visited Roatan regularly for the remainder of her life.
Beyond her style and sense of adventure, there were things that she held most dear. Candace loved her friends and family; she loved Farmer and Roatan and she loved her animals.
Candace shared herself with many people. Her friends from North Carolina and Honduras are many. They were loyal and true. Her family has stood by her and is grateful that she has been the hub to keep our extended family together. Candace spent her last months with her sister and in Alaska. She made many new friends during that short time.
During the last month she spoke often of a long-term relationship that ended tragically. She talked of the brutal death of a loved one who was captured, tortured and killed in Beirut, Lebanon in 1985. It was during this period that Candace discovered Roatan, Honduras. It was a place to find solace after the tragedy.
Candace always loved Farmer for the great childhood memories, for the land and the people. Roatan was cherished for the friends, the beauty and the simplicity that reminded her of the way life used to be. Pets always played an important role in Candace's life. They were constant companions. If she could have rescued every animal, she would. She cared deeply for her animals.
Candace was hospitalized for three and a half days in Central Peninsula Hospital, Soldotna, Alaska, in comfort care status. She was there at the time of her death. Many have said prayers and they were received. The Chaplin's visit and his prayers with her was when she let go. Candace left on her final journey.
Candace was predeceased by her parents, Richard Keith and Louella Hammond of Farmer, North Carolina. She is survived by her sister Pandora Willingham (James) of Soldotna, Alaska; niece Katura Willingham (Ryan Haynes) of Anchorage, Alaska; nephew Cameron Willingham of Anchorage, Alaska; and uncle W.A. Hammond (Doris) of Farmer, North Carolina. She is also survived by 7 cousins that she loved.
The family would like to thank Jonathan Hammond, for his gracious emotional support during this time of crisis. Thank you for the outpouring of condolences from Candace's extended family and caring friends. A special thank you to William Heafner, the Soldotna Senior Center and the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program. Finally, a heartfelt thank-you, to her friends from Honduras, Rosa, Marva, Pilar, Robin and Connie, who enabled Candace to visit and stay one last time in Roatan.
Candace Wells Hammond's cremated remains will be brought to Farmer by her Alaskan family, at which time there will be a memorial service. The date is yet to be determined. Notification will be by email.
If you wish to donate on Candace's behalf, the family requests it be sent to Farmer Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Della Richey, 3594 Richey Road, Denton, N.C. 27239, or to an animal rescue organization of your choice.