Candace Marie (Garlitz) Howell, 44
Candace Howell, 44, died peacefully Nov. 12, 2009, after a determined and courageous battle with breast cancer. A third generation Whitefish native, Candace was born July 21, 1965, the eldest daughter of John Jack and Phyllis Garlitz. A 1983 graduate of Whitefish High School, she went on to graduate from the University of Montana where she met her best friend and future husband, Stuart Howell, originally from Houston. In March of 1991, two beautiful premature babies were born into their family: Alec W. and Devon J. There were so many reasons their babies should not survive, but together Candace and Stuart made a formidable team and their boys came home in August of that year. Sadly, Devon Jon preceded Candace in death just before his 4th birthday. Candace was also preceded in death by grandparents, Louise and Leroy Strunk, and Alta Thompson; uncle, James Garlitz; and brother-in-law, Richard Dean. Once she knew the battle she faced she stated, I have cancer but it doesn t have me! If the doctors have something to report, I ll be out riding my bike! Up until recently, she lived each day to the fullest. She was determined to see Alec graduate from high school in 2010, but her body betrayed her. She believed she was a spiritual being, having a human existence; difficult as it was, she knew her life consisted of so many more blessings than trials. Throughout her treatment she met so many people who inspired her and took inspiration from her. More than once people approached her mother and said, I don t know your daughter well but I love and admire her positive attitude and great spirit. Candace is survived by her husband, Stuart; son, Alec; parents, Jack and Phyllis Garlitz; and sister, Capt. Cindy Dean (U.S. Army); uncles, Charles, and Robin, Strunk of St. Helens, Ore., and Rodney, and Candace, Strunk of Columbia Falls; aunt, Hazel Van Dessel, and Robert, of Joplin; Stuart s parents and siblings, William and Patricia Howell of Gold Canyon, Ariz., sisters, Karen Toomey, and Ray, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Carol Sevier, and William, of The Hague, Netherlands, and brother, Steven Howell, and Toni, of Washington, D.C. Candace also leaves special friends, Jennifer Havens, Zana Faulkner, Sandy Schott, Darrell Johnson, and numerous other family members and friends. A celebration of her life will be held 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Whitefish Moose Home, 230 W. 10th St. Those wishing to remember Candace may send memorials to Alec s college account at the Whitefish Credit Union or to Hospice of Kalispell. The family wishes to thank the many special angels who have stood with them throughout Candace s illness and are eternally grateful. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.