Candice Crider Metcalfe was born October 3, 1982, in Helena to Mike and Carol Crider. Three and half years later her sister and best friend Jenny was born. Candice was a playful and loving daughter and sister and could also display a mischievous side. Those moments will bring us laughter that will continue all of our future days. Candice’s passion and appreciation for the outdoors was created from God’s own paintings, landscapes, and creations. She loved camping and taking road trips throughout her life, taking in as much as she could. Her favorite places were visited over and over again. She loved the views from this great state of Montana.
Candice attended Capital High School, was an avid Bruin fan, and had plans that her children would go there as well. During middle school and high school she made and retained some of her most cherished friendships, which helped her to grow into the amazing woman, daughter, wife and her most cherished role of motherhood. She attended MSU in Bozeman receiving her degree in business management and a minor in entrepreneurial business. Candice always felt a strong desire to become a nurse. There are few moments in our lives where we recognize God’s plan for us and becoming a nurse was that for Candice. Candice’s healing presence, gentle touch, compassion and love of medicine helped make her an excellent nurse.
June 6, 2009 Candice went on her first date with Tim Metcalfe and it is safe to say that it was love at first sight for both of them and remained that way. On December 23rd, Tim respectfully requested Candice’s hand in marriage from Mike and Carol. Carol cried and said “Yes” and Mike laughed and said “of course, you make a wonderful couple”. On October 1st 2010 at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church they were married surrounded by family and friends. That day will stand as one of the greatest in their lives together. Making a commitment to each other and the rest of the congregation of “to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part” they both followed this daily throughout their journey together.
On July 22, 2011 Candice and Tim were blessed with a little miracle, their lovely daughter Sophia Lynn. Candice loved caring, nurturing and guiding her beautiful little Sophia. The brightest days of her life were spent with Sophia and Tim, surrounded by their family. When Sophia was born, there was no crying from their new baby, just a Love between a mother and a daughter, immediately after being born Sophia’s big beautiful blue eyes locked on to her mothers and the gaze of motherhood to her precious gift never left. Sophia will get to know her Mommy through our stories and memories shared by all of those who loved Candice. We will talk about her daily and continue to answer the many questions that she will have. To shy away from the pain and choose to remain silent would be a disservice to their love. Please feel free to create, send, or write letters to Sophia about her lovely mother.
On Jan 21, 2014 Candice and Tim were blessed with a beautiful angel Lea Marie. Lea Marie’s life was cut way too short, living only a few hours. She was born, loved, baptized, and met God the same day. Candice and Tim were surrounded by family and friends who supported them through the tragic loss of Lea. The presence of God was felt that day and all of the following days, helping Candice and Tim commit to their marriage, remember their vows, and raise Sophia in a deeper, more respectful and compassionate way. Candice and Tim supported each other through the grieving and painful loss of Lea, growing closer together as husband and wife, best friends, and soul mates through counseling, communication, friendship, and love. They grieved together and separately, showing each other compassion and patience. Love, honor, respect, and appreciation remained Lea’s blessed gift to the both of them.
In the days that followed Lea’s first birthday Candice had begun to heal. A new normal was recognized and she was more accepting of the scar she carried openly. She found inspiration from everyone’s stories of baby loss and wished to provide an example for others in the future. She prayed daily and nightly with her loving daughter Sophia, giving nightly kisses to Sophia of “One for Lea, One for God, One for Jesus, and one for all the people we Love.” Candice was always a faithful person but recognized now more deeply that God’s light was upon her, Sophia, and Tim despite the scars they displayed as a family having one child here and one Angel in Heaven.
Candice and Tim had a love born from God’s good grace, cultivated in appreciation, respect and patience, and grown through life’s joys and tragedies. To describe Candice in words is hard but words like funny, strong, brave, graceful, patient, kind, compassionate and loving come to mind. Remember her gently, cry softly, and love everyone you meet is how she would want us to grieve. It was the light and the path that she set for us. To know Candice is to love her. She had a personality that was calming just to be around. She entertained us daily, always kept the mood light and inappropriate as only a nurse can, and loved all of God’s creations.
Candice is survived by her loving husband Tim and beautiful daughter Sophia Lynn. Her parents Mike and Carol Crider, her sister & best friend Jenny Lynn Iverson (John) their children, Stella Marie, Charlie Michael and Ole Johnson, her Grandparents Doris and Clinton Crider. Tim’s sister Diedra (Kenny) Murray, their children Kellen Paul & Brekken Lee. Tim’s parents Constance Marie and Terry Lee Metcalfe. Many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends. She is preceded by her Angel Lea Marie Metcalfe.
A vigil service will take place Sunday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2015 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. A reception will follow the Mass at the church.
In lieu of flowers or gifts please make memorials to the Candice Crider Metcalfe Benefit Account, P.O. Box 5269, Helena, MT 59604; these donations will solely be used for Sophia’s future college education expenses. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Candice.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Sunday May 3, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 am
Monday May 4, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following Mass
Monday May 4, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Sunday May 3, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 am
Monday May 4, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following Mass
Monday May 4, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Marcia and Dale Parkhurst says
To Tim and family
We were so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
We never did get to know you or Candice, but Terry is my cousin which makes you my cousin too. Please know that we are thinking of you, and wishing you comfort at this time.
Anna (Bruski) Larson says
So sorry for your loss. I knew Candice in middle school. She was a very sweet girl. I spent the night at her house once and we watched Forrest Gump. The next morning I was surprised to find out we were going to run part of the Governor’s Cup. I hated running 🙂 However, I was so impressed that her family would do something like this together. It left a lasting impression. A few weeks ago, my boys were talking about the Junior Governor’s Cup and how they wanted to be a part of it this year. It reminded me of this memory. It made me wonder how Candice was doing and I thought about trying to get back in touch. Unfortunately I waited too long and was too late. I don’t know if running remained part of her life or not. I am however grateful for the chance I had to know her for that short time in my life. I am truly sorry for the pain and the emptiness you all must be feeling right now. I pray your hearts be comforted and filled with peace. May you have hope for tomorrow and be able to move forward in due time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Perry and Karen Donnafield says
Tim,
We cannot begin to convey how sorry we are for your loss. In this time of tragedy just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ira Miller and Catherine Love says
Tim-
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Megan Chuter says
Tim-I have learned and grown so much from you in class this winter. Thank you for sharing you faith and beautiful marriage with us. Words could never express what a loss this is to our community. Candice really was, and will always remain, a ray of light that shines on anyone who crosses her path. I don’t recall ever seeing a frown on her face in the years I was blessed to know her. Keep your faith close and know your family and friends are in our hearts and prayers at this time. God bless.
Mary Kynett says
Tim: No words can express the extreme sadness the whole Hobson community is feeling for you and your family. We are sending love and prayers for your healing. You are a remarkable man and will remain remarkable as you share Candice’s love to others, especially Sophie. Candice will live in you and Sophie always. Hugs and prayers!
Brian and Maggie Dice says
Tim- Our heart just breaks for the loss you and all of your family are feeling. We are so very sorry. Tim , you have a beautiful little girl that needs you so much and you need her. We pray for your strength and we know that there is a lot of support around you. It is hard to know that a friend of our son is having to go through such tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care and may God Bless.
Greg, Sharla, Reannon Crider says
Tim- We offer our deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. God Bless.
Autumn (Clausen) Lineweaver says
Tim, Sophia and family,
My heart has broken for you and the loss of Candice. She was such a sweet girl. I worked with her in Helena at Employee Benefit Resources for a while and she sat right next to me. I always enjoyed visiting with her and hearing stories about her dog, I think his name was Gordy? You have all been in our family’s thoughts and prayers throughout these past weeks. May Gods peace be with you.
David and Jill Morris and families says
Tim and Sophia,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Denise Seilstad says
Tim and Sophia, What a tragedy. You have been on my mind and in my prayers these past few weeks. Reading some of your messages, you seem to be so strong. Your faith is be amazing. Will not be able to attend the service, but will be praying for all of you. God’s blessings to you. Denise & Scott Seilstad
Shannon Hodge Shirley says
Tim and Family:
I know words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. I know Candice will be so missed. We want you to know we are thinking of and praying for you daily.
Love,
Shannon and Family
Margee Smith says
Tim, Sophia and all extended families,
Stay strong and keep Candice’s memory alive. She was certainly a treasure and as you said, Tim, she definitely did not want to go. Now, with her Lea, she will watch and care for you from above. Prayers for strength, comfort and healing as you continue on…
Faith Rice says
Tim and Family: We can’t imagine what you are going through, but we know you are strong and Candice is and will always be with you. She will live on in you and your daughter, Sophia. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Tim. Stay strong and your Faith will help you through this as you continue on your journey. Love to you Ken and Faith Rice and family
Deb says
Tim, Sophia and family,
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for the loss of this wonderful friend, wife, mother, sister you have lossed. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs!
Linda Johnson says
My deepest sympathy to the family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. From Linda Johnson and Mick Seaton
Dave & Janet Wichman says
We grieve with you and pray that you will be comforted somehow. There is just no understanding what you are going through, but we fervently pray that you will be able to withstand the sorrow and loss.
Donna Sirucek says
Tim and family, you have been in my thoughts often in these recent weeks. My prayer go out to all your family, your faith is so strong that you are a role model, al be it reluctant. If there is anything this neighbor can do for you don’t hesitate to ask. I am sure you will do a wonderful job helping Sophia remember her mother.
Sibyl Govan says
Tim, my heart aches for you. God will bless you in your grieving and in your healing, and will raise you up to be the strong person you need to be for Sophia.
Elaine Applin says
Jenny,
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. I remember you speaking fondly of her. I’ve been keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Bob & JoAnn Priebe says
Mike, Carol and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Candice passing. There are not any words that can be said to express such a great loss of a daughter.
Lynn Hatfield says
Mike and family, I was so sorry to learn of your loss. Mike, I don’t know if you remember me but we worked together at Columbia Paint for years. You were always wonderful to work with and I just wanted to let you know my heart goes out to you and your family.
Dianne Wood & Richard too says
I had the pleasure of teaching this delightful child in grade 3 , 1986,. Candice shone with inner beauty and her smile was always present. She was very kind and capable and I knew she would become a vey special adult from the time our lives crossed paths. She loved to hear about Australia and was fascinated by all the animals we have. I think her favourite Aussie book was ‘Koala Lou’.
At the end of 1986 I returned to Melbourne with wonderful indelible thoughts of the best teaching year of my life. One major reason for that is because I loved and had the love of Candice.
My heart feels some of the ache for Carol, Mike, Jennie, Tim and little Sophia. May we see some of darling Candice shine through in little Sophia.
Rest in peace Candice
Dianne & Richard Wood
Stephanie Crider says
my heart is broken over Candice’s sudden loss. She is my husbands cousin and I remember at our wedding she said “wow I never thought we would ever be related.” I knew then that we would get along great because of her wonderful sense of humor. Although we did not get the opportunity to get to know each other well and both being busy could not always find the time to get together, which we talked about for years, I feel blessed that I knew her, as I’m sure everyone who met her did. I pray that God helps your family heal and that every time you look into little Sophia’s eyes you see Candice. God bless you all.
Carol E. Kalberg Bonner says
Jen,
Know that I am sending you a hug. I know you will be of great help to Tim & Sophia.
Kristi Schell says
My little cousin! I remember the summer I got to babysit Candice and Jenny. That was a fun summer. We played outside ever day in the sprinklers, played dress-up, watched cartoons…Candice would only eat macaroni and cheese for lunch. She was a very picky eater. That was a good summer. Our families would meet up at the ranch and at the cabin for relaxing weekends. And then Candice and Jenny were my flower girls. They pulled my little Megan in a wagon up the aisle. We will never forget you Candice. We love you!
Laurie Volesky Kops says
Carol, Mike and the Crider and Metcalfe families…I can’t begin to imagine your loss….there just are no words. Please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many as you journey through your grief and through your precious memories. We will hold you up! God bless!
Shelly Mathews says
Jenny & family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you!
Shelly
Marilyn Osterman says
Tim, Jenny and family, My heart was broken when Ryan told us about Candice. Keep your faith strong, share your gift of love always. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.