Candace Lee Crawford was called home to her Heavenly Father on May 19, 2016 in Seattle, Wash. at the age of 62 after a year’s battle with cancer.

Candace is survived by her longtime partner, Robert Burns of Fair Oaks, Calif.; step-children, Susan Radisch, Anthony Knapp (Mia Andrew); her grandchildren, Stefan Kolbo (Jessica Welter) of Washington, Amanda Knapp of Alaska, Vica Hefflinger (David Hefflinger) and Tess Radisch of Washington; her sister, Kelly Huie (Mark Huie); her two nieces, Alexandria and Tara Huie of Chino Hills, Calif.; she is also survived by her mother of the heart, Jan Elmore of Washington.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jonathan Maris Knapp; her brother, Shane Crawford; and both of her parents.

Candace was born on October 12, 1953 in Long Beach, Calif. to Donna Wells and Lester Crawford, Jr. She was the eldest of three children. She graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 1971 in Sacramento, Calif.

After moving to Washington in 1976, she met her late husband Jonathan Maris Knapp in 1983 at a motorcycle race in Laguna Seca, Calif. while they were both visiting from Washington. They were married April 28 in 1985 upon motorcycles. They also became business partners at Specialty Seafoods, located in Anacortes, Wash. Together they purchased a cattle ranch in Bayview, Wash. They soon had many animals, as this was a lifelong dream of hers. She was sadly widowed in 1990.

Candace moved to Greenbank, Wash. in 2010 to be closer to her family. During this time she worked at the local post office in Greenbank, Wash. with co-workers whom she called her second family. Her overall time and spirit was dedicated to the USPS for 11 years.

Candace was known for her beautiful smile, warm hugs, and generous spirit. She was a devoted sister, aunt, mother and grandmother, who spent much of her remaining years being a very strong influence in their faith and walking beside them during pivotal times.

Candace was a person of deep faith and we are comforted in knowing she is in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

She asked for no service, but at the right time, a celebration of life will be held in her memory.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to her local animal shelter on Whidbey Island, WAIF (waifanimals.org). Her two dogs Samme and Nugget were rescue dogs and through the years Candace supported many agencies that protect animals.

Condolences can be sent to her step-daughter Susan Radisch at PO Box 141, Langley, WA 98260, which will be shared with family.

Her family would like to thank all who have supported and reached out to her and her family during her time of illness, especially to her lifelong dear friend Nancy Wallace-Beattie of Washington.

Candace Lee Crawford inspired many and will be loved and missed by all. “God loves you and so do I” was a quote of hers that brought love and smile to those dear to her.