Candace Lee "Candy" Mitchell's Obituary
Candace Lee “Candy” Mitchell, age 77, passed away on April 10, 2026, at her home in Muskegon, Michigan. Candy was born on October 12, 1948, to Robert and Sybil Packingham in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was raised in an Air Force family that moved regularly, which led Candy to meet Jim Mitchell at the McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 16. Candy and Jim were married on April 17, 1970, and spent the next 20 years traveling across the country as Jim served in the Army. They moved from Texas, to Alaska, to Kansas, back to Texas, to New York, back to Texas again, and finally settled in Muskegon upon Jim’s retirement from service. Candy and Jim would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on Friday, April 17.
Candy was the most selfless, kindhearted person. She gave without hesitation, loved without conditions, and always put others before herself, never asking for anything in return. Her warmth, her quiet strength, and her unwavering compassion touched everyone lucky enough to know her. Candy especially enjoyed family gatherings where she got to spend quality time with her children, grandchildren, and siblings. Candy was an avid reader and talented cook who was always eager to try and share a new recipe. Her creativity reached beyond the kitchen as she spent time drawing, painting, and sewing. Candy’s love for cooking, creativity, and care for others was highlighted during her time working as a dietitian at Trinity Health.
Candy is survived by her husband, Jim Mitchell; children, Ted (Mary) Mitchell and Carrie Mitchell; grandchildren, Brandon (Madeline) Mitchell, Olivia Michaelis, Owen Michaelis, and Johnny Mitchell; siblings, Gary (Deana) Packingham, Robert Packingham, Patricia (Michael) Collis, and Pam Packingham; and many special nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and son, James Mitchell.
A memorial service for Candy will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at https://sytsemafh.com.
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