Candace "Candy" Gove Spence

“Candy” Spence was granted her wings on Wednesday, May 27th. She died peacefully at River Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 28, 1945 at E.J. Noble (River) Hospital with big, blue eyes and a beautiful soul. She was the daughter of Margaret Wagner and Carlton Gove and sister to Lucinda, Peter and Thomas.

She graduated from Alexandria Central School and on June 28th, 1963, she married her high school sweetheart Neil Spence who predeceased her on November 29th, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.

Candy spent her whole life surrounded by the magic of the St. Lawrence River. As a child she loved to swim with her siblings, as a teen she loved to dance with her friends Doris, Eunice and Patrick, and as an adult, she enjoyed interacting with the community where she dedicated over 60 years to various businesses. A few of her proud employers including The Riveredge Resort, 1000 Islands Bait Store, Riley’s and Downtown Wine and Spirits described her as hardworking, dependable and trustworthy.

If you knew Candy long enough you could catch her sunbathing at the park with her friend Sarah, walking Route 12 with sister Cindy or riding her blue moped around town. Furthermore, she shared her beautiful smile and lots of laughs and many stories.

She is survived by two sons and a daughter – Warren Spence, Watertown; Samuel “John” Spence (Renee Pilatsky) Alex Bay; Kimberly Spence Harrell, San Antonio, TX; two grandsons Jared “Tex” Nichols, California; Hudson Harrell, Texas; sister Lucinda “Cindy” Hutchinson (Norm Hutchinson) Alex Bay; two brothers-in-law, Roger Spence, California; Patrick Spence, Potsdam; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Two brothers and a son-in-law died before her.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made in her name to the Alexandria Bay Food Pantry, 42601 State Rte. 12E P.O. Box 494, Alexandria Bay NY 13607 or to United Helpers, 8101 NY-68, Ogdensburg, NY 13669

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.