Mary "Candy" Candace Endress

Mary “Candy” Candace Endress, 77, of Traverse City passed away on January 4, 2025. Candy was born on July 19, 1947 in Detroit, MI to the late Zachary and May (Devaney) Endress. From an early age, she demonstrated a passion for helping others, which led to a remarkable careers. A dedicated and driven individual, Candy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Mercy College, her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Wayne State University, and an MBA from Walsh College. She worked as a psychiatric nurse and ran the Fox Center at St. Joe’s Hospital, tirelessly advocating for mental health care until state funding for the program was discontinued. Undeterred, Candy reinvented herself, using her MBA to embark on a successful career in real estate. In 2013, after losing her ability to drive due to multiple sclerosis, Candy relocated to Traverse City to be closer to her family. Despite her challenges, she remained deeply involved in her passions and faith. Candy was a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and embraced her Catholic faith throughout her life. In her free time, she channeled her creativity into various crafts. She was an immensely talented artisan, excelling in knitting, quilting, and stained glass. Her handcrafted wall hangings were cherished works of art, reflecting her keen eye for detail and her boundless creativity. Candy’s kind, creative, and brilliant spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Candy is survived by her loving sister, Virginia (Lary) Sampson, her brothers Zac (Carmen) Endress, James (Janice) Endress, and Joseph (Paula) Endress, eleven nieces and nephews and eighteen great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents. Candy’s entire family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Joe and Katie Zayaz, Candy’s niece and nephew, for inviting her to live with their family and help lovingly caring for her. Their generosity, even giving up the master suite to ensure her comfort, meant the world to Candy, and she could never thank them enough for their love and kindness. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2024 from 5-7pm with a Rosary prayed at 7pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 18, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with a visitation beginning at 10am. Fr. Anthony Citro will officiate. Following the Mass, cremation will take place and burial will take place in the spring at the St. Hugo of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Scholarship Program or the National MS Society. Kindly share thoughts and memoires with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Mary "Candy" Candace Endress

July 19, 1947 - January 4, 2025