Candace Bell Glewen, 57, entered God’s Kingdom on June 20, 2020.
To know her is to love her. Candace is loved not just by her family but by so many throughout the community and across the country.
Candace was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland to Robert and Dora Bell and was the younger sister to Pamela Kelley and Tammy Thompson. The “three sisters†moved all over the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest while growing up, and despite not living in the same house anymore, the sisters had Saturday morning conference calls to keep tabs on each other. She graduated from USF in 1985 with a degree in Finance which the family believes was used towards her black belt in shopping and finding the best deal.
She married Robert Glewen in 1988, and he had a front row seat to her greatness as he watched Candace live her life to the fullest. Her two greatest gifts are her children — Ashley Downing (Spouse: Tyler) and Grant Glewen (Spouse: Emma). The love she had for her children knew no limits, which was often shown by how quickly she would turn a conversation into sharing their incredible accomplishments.
Her diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of cancer never stole her fiery spirt. She battled the disease with grace, dignity, and the utmost strong determination. She continued to give her family so many beautiful memories in the last two years. She danced with her son at his wedding and was there for the birth of her firstborn grandson, Brooks.
She had a servant’s heart, working so tirelessly, she strived to truly make a difference in New Port Richey and the entire state of Florida. In 2013, she was recognized by the Tampa Bay Times as the Humanitarian of the Year, and it does not scratch the surface for the lives she impacted and changed. While the crown she wore as Queen of Chasco in 2014 may be one of her favorite accessories, perfecting her royal wave was her favorite activity. She poured her heart into her community and worked with many organizations including: Rotary of Trinity, Youth and Family Alternatives, Gulfside Hospice, Lighthouse for the Blind, BOD for North Bay Hospital, Leadership Pasco, West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Charter Advisory Committee Pasco County, RAP House, The Concourse Council, Leadership at Trinity Presbyterian… to name a few.
Candace’s career achievements within the banking industry over the last 24 years made her a trusted source for her clients. For the last 8 years she has worked at Mid Florida Credit Union rising to Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending.
Due to COVID19, a private family service will be held on Thursday, June 25th at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 3:00pm. After the service, at approximately 4:00pm, the family invites friends of Candace to a processional car line, where you can safely say goodbye to Candace and extend well wishes to the family from your vehicle. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to one of the below charities to which Candace dedicated her life: Rotary Club of Trinity, Youth and Family Alternatives and Gulfside Hospice. May we all be inspired to live our lives with a servant’s heart like she.
Pastor John Hillmer (Emma's Pastor - Emma is Candace's daughter-ine-law)
June 22, 2020, 12:00 am
May prayers are with you all. Especially Ashley and Grace
Jim Simms (Friend from YFA)
June 22, 2020, 12:00 am
As Director of Community Relations at Youth and Family Alternatives Inc. (2003-2013) I had the honor of working with Candace. She was a dedicated Volunteer with an ever present smile who worked tirelessly to help give a voice to Youth in the local Community who often need people who care to speak up. Her presence will be greatly missed.
Linda Ward (CEO, Gulfside Healthcare Services)
June 22, 2020, 12:00 am
Candace was a talented and beloved Board Member of Gulfside Healthcare Services. Her passion for the community and serving all in need was very apparent. My wish for Candace is that she rests peacefully, knowing her impact on Gulfside, the community, myself, and so many more was tremendous. You will be sorely missed dear Candace. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Linda Ward
Cathy Hanson (Friend)
June 23, 2020, 12:00 am
Our thoughts and prayers are will you all.
-Cathy and Greg Hanson
David Hand (Supervisor/Co-worker)
June 23, 2020, 12:00 am
As the Senior Commercial Lender for the Tampa Region, Candace will always be remembered for her professionalism and dedicated service to both MIDFLORIDA and our membership. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Desirae Clinton (Co-Worker / Friend)
June 23, 2020, 12:00 am
My heart is heavy. I will miss your smile and words of wisdom. You left us all way too soon! I miss you dearly my friend but I know you are no longer in pain. May you rest in peace.
Amy & Alan Hampton (MidFlorida CU Co-worker)
June 23, 2020, 12:00 am
To have known Candace was to love her. She was a mentor, a friend, a co-worker and a Godly example of what is good in humanity. Always a smile surrounded by warmth and compassion. Our funny conversations about credit packages and what's wrong with the world will be sorely missed. Her precious laugh! I've never met a more knowledgeable Loan Officer who ALWAYS did right by her clients. The banking community lost a very valuable example of all that we stand for. If Candace had not already done so, please feel free pass the St. Peregrine necklace to another deserving individual. That necklace has traveled from one beautiful person to the next. My mother was the prior owner and would have felt honored for Candace to have worn it, as I definitely was. My prayers for your family run deeply and sincerely. God Bless!!
Amy
Michael Coakley (Cousin)
June 23, 2020, 12:00 am
Lana and I send our deepest condolences.
Pamela Miley (Co-Worker)
June 23, 2020, 12:00 am
Candace was a beautiful person inside and out. I will surely miss her smile, her sense of humor and her positive attitude. To her family and friends, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I will miss you Candace.
Lorna Francis (Co-Worker - MidFlorida)
June 23, 2020, 12:00 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was a joy to work in the presence of Candace. I will never forget the warmth her smile brought to the office.
Midflorida Trinity Branch (Co-worker)
June 25, 2020, 12:00 am
Candace was our little ray of sunshine! She always came in with a smile and a helping hand no matter what she was going through. She was a warrior at work and with her battle with cancer. We were in awe of her positive attitude and her love for her work. She was so loved by everyone. Candace (candy cane)will be missed immensely by all of us.
Our deepest sympathy for her family.
Mike Marston (Friend )
June 25, 2020, 12:00 am
Robert, My thoughts are with you , and your family.
Carol Kinnard (Close Friend)
June 25, 2020, 12:00 am
Candace, my friend, you have left an indelible mark on my heart and on the lives of many. Your smile is infectious and I wish God would have allowed us many more adventures and trips to Charleston; however, He sent you on a trip to Heaven where you are ready to serve others there. Until we meet again, my friend, we will miss you!
PAW Companies (Banker/Advisor)
August 4, 2020, 12:00 am
Candace was truly instrumental in the success of our company. We were introduced to her when she while she was working for Synovus Bank. Needless to say things change, people change, banks change and we lost connection…for a short time. Candace eventually reconnected with our company and was instrumental in getting us switched over to MidFlorida. She was trusted and respected for her sincerity, honesty and professionalism and we will truly miss her willingness to help in anyway she could.
May God Bless your family during this time.
PAW COMPANIES
Brian Bursa & Kirsten Ullman (Banking Client)
December 31, 2020, 12:00 am
Dear Glewen Family: We were very much saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Candace. Candace was our one and only relationship manager at Mid Florida Credit Union. She was always friendly, personable, knowledgeable, and responsive. We always felt like we were more than just clients to Candace, as she always treated us like family. We cannot imagine your sorrow; however, please know that Candace made a positive and lasting impression on our lives. All the best from Brian and Kirsten (Ullman Bursa Law)