It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Candace Mary O’Driscoll, of Sutton, ON, on Friday, March 27th at the age of 35 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Candace went peacefully at Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket, ON, surrounded by family.

Candace was a loving, wonderful mother, and a cherished daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, and partner.

Predeceased by her mother, Lisa O’Driscoll, and her father, Gerard Philpott. Leaving to mourn her daughters, Toni O’Driscoll (Kamil Bohdan) and Brooklyn Dumas, who were her entire world. Also mourning her loss are her partner, Ryan Popadynec, her step son, Camden Popadynec, step father, Chris Stevenson, and step siblings, Collin Stevenson (Chelsea Anderson) and Christina Stevenson (Austin Small), who were nothing short of family to her. She leaves behind a large circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandparents, and friends who felt more like family across Ontario, Newfoundland, and Alberta.

Candace stepped up to the challenge of being a mother early in life, and devoted all she had to being the best parent she could. And, boy, did she succeed. There was nothing she wouldn’t and couldn’t do for her girls. Candace had a way of filling a room with warmth the moment she entered it. She was, without question, one of the kindest and most thoughtful people you could ever meet - always giving to others, even when she had little left for herself. Caring for people wasn’t something she tried to do; it was simply who she was.

She carried a cheeky, quick-witted sense of humour that stayed with her to the very end. Candace could make you laugh until your sides hurt, and just as easily make you smile through tears. She had a rare gift: knowing exactly what someone needed, whether it was laughter, honesty, or quiet understanding. Through every challenge she faced, Candace showed strength and resilience like no other, remaining a steady presence and a true pillar for her family and wide circle of friends.

Though our hearts are heavy with her loss, we find comfort in imagining Candace reunited with her mom and dad, as she had wished. Still, no words can truly capture how deeply she will be missed.

We will find her in the small, beautiful moments - in the birds overhead and in the flowers in bloom - and carry her with us in the way we choose love, laughter, and kindness each day. In our grief, we will remember how fortunate we were to know her, to love her, and to be loved by her.

The family would like to thank the doctors at Southlake Hospital, her in-home nurse, Theresa, and the staff at Margaret Bahen Hospice who provided her with kindness and care throughout her two-year battle.

Candace will be laid to rest with her mother and father in Plate Cove, NL, in her hometown of Sutton, ON, and in the mountains of Squamish, BC, so all who loved her can find her wherever they may go. A celebration of life will be held in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to support her two daughters in this time of hardship. Donations can be made to toni.and.brooklyn@gmail.com.