Betty Grace Candela

Racine– Betty Grace Candela, age 86, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Francsican – All Saints Medical Center on Monday, October 29, 2012.   

A lifetime resident, Betty was born in Racine on August 25, 1926 to the late Francesco and Concetta (nee: Ruffolo-Greco) Candela. She attended the schools of Lakeside and Franklin, graduating from St. Catherine’s High School in 1944. With an immense amount of loyalty and   dedication, Betty began working for the JC Penney Company in 1943 (while still in high school), from where she retired after 60 years of service.  

Betty was a lifetime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, where she was actively involved with the annual festival, financial affairs and Altar Society – just to name a few. Thankful for the education she received, Betty proudly served on the board at Lakeside School for many years.  With sincere adoration of the Blessed Mother, Betty could often be found praying the Rosary with her worn-out book of prayers near her side. She loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family.  

Surviving are her sister and brother-in-law, Edith and Chuck D’Acquisto; 10 very special nieces and nephews; 19 adored great-nieces and nephews; 18 treasured great-great-nieces and nephews; and by other dear relatives and friends.  

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Frank Candela; and by sisters, Evelyn (Ralph) Ziccarelli and Aquline (Louis) Russo.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 7:00 pm in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Entombment will take place in the mausoleum of Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32 at 11:00 am on Wednesday.  Visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 4-7 pm. In memory of Betty, contributions to the Gerald Cooper Scholarship Fund or to the family (for the establishment of a permanent memorial at a later date) have been suggested.  

The family would like to extend a special note of thanks to Dr. Richard Clark and his staff, Dr. Ranganatharao Sriram, Dr. Michael Ansani and Dr. Paul Berce – along with the cardiac staff   at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints for the compassionate care and support extended in Betty’s time of need. May God bless all of you!