Virginia B. Candell

Virginia Candell passed away May 9, 2017 at the age of 90 surrounded by the family she cherished. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and best friend. She was born in 1926 in Oakland, CA. She is survived by her daughter Roslind Wiley, son John Candell, sister Maria Nyberg-Garcia, brother William Mata, Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law Cass and Marlene Candell, grandchildren, Sunni Fajardin, Sarah Wiley, Matthew Wiley and great-grandson Jacob Wiley. Raised in Oakland by her grandparents, she was mentored throughout her entire childhood by the Sisters of the Holy Family at St. Vincent's Day Home in Oakland of which she held a lifetime affection. She was a graduate of Holy Names High School in Oakland. She met her husband John Candell, Sr. and was married for 37 years until his passing. She was a pioneer as a working mother in the 1950's holding positions in the Oakland City Auditor's Office. In 1960, the family relocated to Fremont, CA. As a mother, she knew the importance of education and made sure her children attended the best schools. Her work career took her to Mervyn's Department Store where she worked in store operations management for 23 years before retiring in 1988. Upon retiring, she founded the Mervyn's Grand Dames who gathered for biannual luncheons to honor the working women who retired from Mervyns. She cherished several later years with her loving companion Tom Candell. She was an accomplished pianist and passed her love of music to her children. In recent years, her greatest joy was spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren who will miss her deeply. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name to St. Vincent's Day Home, 1086 Eighth Street, Oakland, CA 94607. To celebrate her life, a Rosary Service will be held Friday May 26th at 2 pm at Holy Spirit Church in Fremont followed by a Mass Saturday May 27 at 10 am also at Holy Spirit Church.