Candace Lynn Minette

Candy was born on June 18, 1971, in Lansing, Michigan, to Thomas Calvin Smith and Roana Florence Smith. She was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend whose generosity, humor, and unwavering dedication touched the lives of so many.

Candy was a woman who could always be counted on. She was the first to lend a helping hand to family and friends, never hesitating to step in when someone needed her. She was deeply dedicated to the people she loved and brought that same passion and commitment to everything she did. She had a quick wit, loved a good, especially corny, joke, and had a way of bringing laughter and lightness into the lives of those around her.

Candy was also incredibly accomplished in her career. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Arizona State University in December 1996 and later earned her Master of Tax Law from Golden Gate University in December 2007. She was a Certified Public Accountant in both Arizona and Michigan. Throughout her career, she worked for Arthur Andersen and Deloitte before becoming a Senior Manager at BDO. She took great pride in her work and was passionate about the people she worked alongside.

Outside of her career, Candy found joy in quilting, camping, fishing, sewing, crafting, and working out. She was creative, active, and always working on something, whether it was a project made by hand or simply finding another way to care for the people around her.

Candy’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her children, Hannah (John) Janes, Rachael Minette, and Bella Minette; her granddaughter, Ayara Anderson; her step-children, Aurora Berggren, Jake (Anya) Minette, Amanda (Scott) Martin, Kelly (Brian) Fitzmaurice, and Kris Minette; her father, Thomas (Catherine) Smith, her mother, Roana (Barry) Holcomb; and her siblings, Chad Smith, Christy (Jason) Knickerbocker, Nicole Smith, and Pamela (Luke) Plonsky; her nieces and nephews, Mateo Plonsky, Ruby Plonsky, Rose Plonsky, Bailey Knickerbocker.

She was preceded in death by her beloved child, Tyler Minette and brother-in-law Jason Knickerbocker.

Candy leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, strength, and devotion. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all those fortunate enough to know her. Though her life was far too short, the love she gave and the lives she touched will continue through the people who carry her memory with them.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at New Hope Church Ministry Center, 1340 Haslett Road, Haslett, MI 48840. A memorial service will follow from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., with lunch afterward.

In Candy's honor, please wear something colorful to her memorial service.

Candy had a particularly special place in her heart for Compassion International. She was passionate about helping children around the world and sponsored children through the organization, taking great joy in knowing that she could make a difference in their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor Candy’s memory consider making a donation to Compassion International, an organization that reflected her generous heart and her deep love for children.

https://www.compassion.com/give/donate/where-most-needed/?referer=743788&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_attract_non-brand_where-most-needed&utm_content=seasonal_most-needed_phrase_743788&utm_marketing_tactic=attract&utm_creative_format=text&keyword=give%20to%20the%20poor&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24131878552&gbraid=0AAAAABIfH0oQsHDoF2qsOaJJvCSAJcIi-&gclid=CjwKCAjwqJXUBhBNEiwA8BgG7lt7QZNFQcs1N8bAVvzVI_p5JUopGG6_McEndu761Dd8m8bywib5TBoCZDEQAvD_BwE