Carmichael, Candace J.

Candace J. Carmichael, 58, of Iowa City, died peacefully Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, at home. A service to celebrate Candy's life will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City, where the family will greet friends after 3:30 p.m.

Candace was born Dec. 13, 1952, in Grinnell, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Audrey Pederson. She grew up on the family farm, which she described as a perfect childhood surrounded by family and animals. There she acquired her love of family, confidence, and creativity that she carried with her throughout her life.

Candace was a graduate of Iowa State University and was a Rotary Exchange student in Denmark. On June 14, 1975, Candace married Gregory Carmichael and moved to Lexington, Ky., where she began her teaching career as a high school art teacher. In 1978, they moved to Iowa City, where Candace was an art educator in the Iowa City Community School District from 1978 to 2011. During that time Candace taught at Southeast and Northwest Junior High schools and various elementary schools, most recently at Horn and Shimek. Candace always wanted to be a teacher and often commented that she had the best job in the world because she got to play all day. Her love of teaching and art touched many throughout the community.

Candace had a passion for all forms of art, from fine to outsider. She was a creative artist and gifted quilter, and made hundreds of beautiful quilts. Candace was an avid reader and cook, oftentimes doing both at the same time. She had a beautiful garden which blended flowers with her art. Candace loved animals, especially her pets, Frida and Bean. She loved to travel, with Paris her favorite destination. Most important was the love of her family and friends.

Candace is survived by her husband, Gregory; and their children, Emmett of Iowa City and Gemma (Greg) Raleigh of Des Moines; her father, Donald of Grinnell; her sister, Kirsten (Tim) Fisher of Manassas, Va.; two brothers, Eric (Anne) Pederson of Grinnell and Roald (Carrie) Pederson of Roseville, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

Candace was preceded in death by her mother, Audrey Pederson.

To us she was most amazing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in her name to the Iowa City Community School District Foundation Elementary Visual Arts Fund.

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