Candyce M. Gilmore

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. –Marcel Proust

Candyce “Candy” Margaret Marian (Graff) Gilmore, 71, gracefully passed away on January 24, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Candy was born on June 28, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Donald and Laverne (Lepper) Graff. She attended St. Joan Antida High School in Milwaukee and graduated from Marquette University, where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech. Marquette University was where she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Gary Gilmore. Jim would often boast, “I drove Candy home from a party at Marquette one night and I’ve been driving her home ever since.” Jim and Candy married August 21, 1970, when Jim returned from his service in Vietnam. They shared 48 amazing years together.

Candy was an incredible mother, grandmother and constant source of wisdom and advice. Her daughters include Kelly Anne (Robert) Schwarz, Shannon Leigh Dailey (Bob Fleming), Jamie Elizabeth (Martin) Powers, and Brigid Kathleen Gilmore (Daymond Ginsch). Her grandchildren include Kane Robert and Alexandra Catharine Schwarz and Ella Marie and Audrey Grace Powers.

Candy enjoyed spending time with family—especially every winter in Key West—where she would relax, read, shop, and watch the beautiful sunsets at Coconut Beach. She loved to travel; her most recent excursions include trips to Ireland and Nova Scotia. Every summer she looked forward to Summerfest and Irish Fest in Milwaukee. She appreciated all kinds of music from Elvis to Jim Brickman and music has always filled the Gilmore household. It’s no surprise Candy and Jim have been known to be the first and last out on the dance floor at any celebration.

Candy loved to spend time with friends. Candy and Jim have cherished friends from Marquette University and lifelong friends from their 46 years living in Green Bay. Many of her close friends were in the Birthday Club, Bridge Group, Neighborly Dance Club, and the Classy Chix Book Club (aka Wine Club). She will be forever thankful for the laughter, love and support that all her friends have provided throughout these years.

Candy was known for her extraordinary work ethic. She had a talent for facing challenges with thoughtful consideration and compassion. She held many positions throughout her professional career including teacher, event planner, lobbyist, child care director, outplacement director and she retired in 2011 from TNT Crust, a company of Tyson Foods, as Senior Manager of Human Resources, after 16 rewarding years.

Candy’s true passion was community service; she dedicated much of her time to the Green Bay community. She served in numerous leadership roles including Board President of Encompass Early Education & Care and Foundation President; Board President of the ARTgarage; and Board Member of many organizations including the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Service League of Green Bay, and League of Women Voters. She was lovingly involved in the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Chapter AU. She was featured in the July 2015 YOU Magazine’s 20 Women to Know for her commitment to community service.

Above all, Candy was a woman of unwavering faith. She served as a Liturgical Minister, Past Trustee, Volunteer and Member of Resurrection Catholic Parish for 46 years.

Candy will be forever remembered by her husband; daughters and their families; sister Penelope Wessing of Random Lake, WI; brother Donald (Lynn) Graff of Pewaukee, WI; brother John (Lynn) Graff of Waukesha, WI; sister Cynthia (Paul) Honkamp of Brookfield, WI; sister-in-law Jullane Jackson of Cedarburg, WI and by many nieces, nephews and their families. Always joined in spirit with her “Two Amigas” and her Classy Chix Book Club.

With faith and love, Candy eternally joins her parents, Donald and Laverne Graff; brother, Anthony Graff; brother-in-law, William Wessing; dear aunt, Lorraine Watzke; nephew, Benjamin Honkamp; parents-in-law, Russell and Catharine Gilmore; brother-in-law, Robert Gilmore; uncle-in-law, Father John MacCallum, and many dear friends.

Family and friends may call at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Drive, Green Bay, WI 54301 on Monday, February 4, 2019 from 2:00pm until 3:45pm, with a Mass of Christian burial at 4:00pm, Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem officiating. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Candy’s life of service with memorials to:

Encompass Early Education & Care
Administrative Office
P.O. Box 1627
Green Bay, WI 54305-1627

ART garage
1409 Main Street,
Green Bay, WI 54302

Unity Hospice
2366 Oak Ridge Circle
De Pere, WI 54115


Candy was relentless in her 14-year battle with cancer. Family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to providers and staff at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Green Bay Oncology, Prevea, St. Vincent Hospital, Bellin Hospital, and the compassionate staff at the Unity Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence.

We will miss you so much Mom but we know you are with us each day. Dad looks forward to the day he can drive you home again. xoxo