Candace Ingraham Filek passed away on October 9, 2026 in San Clemente, California, in the peace of her daughter’s home. She was born on February 7, 1947 in San Gabriel, California to Joseph and Isabelle Krosber, nee Krzyzaniak. After battling the effects of a stroke in 2023 for three years and subsequently, two heart attacks between September and October 2026, Candace went home to the Lord surrounded by the comfort of her family.

Candace was a poised, classy, well-dressed, articulate and learned working woman who had natural command presence. She was known for her great laugh, sense of humor and internal strength. She carried herself with confidence, purpose and she was an excellent public speaker in any forum. She was an excellent swimmer and those who knew her saw her as a woman of grace, passion and conviction.

In her professional life, Candace began her career at realty office in Redding, then she went on to serve Shasta County in a number of important roles. She worked as an Administrative Assistant to the Shasta County Board of Supervisors, served in the Shasta County Sheriff’s Department as a Sheriff’s Service Officer (SSO) in the County jail and later, retiring as the Records Supervisor for the Sheriff’s Department for 17 years. Her working life was marked by a commitment to public service.

Candace’s accomplishments extended beyond her career. She was heavily involved in multiple veteran’s organizations within Shasta County. These included the VFW, American Legion, the Marine Corps League, VETS to name a few. In particular, as the President of the Shasta County Veteran’s Affiliated Council, she was instrumental alongside fellow veterans and state officials in establishing a VA Medical Clinic in Redding. Also, as the President of VETS (Victory Ensured Through Service), she led the organization in establishing a high school scholarship program with the high school in Chinle, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation. This created opportunity and encouragement for young people.

She embraced life with wide-ranging interests. Candace enjoyed traveling the Oregon coast looking at lighthouses. She competitively showed three Champion Bouvier des Flandres and took pleasure collecting decorative cardinal figurines, spoons from her travel in the US and her daughter’s world-wide travels and Polish pottery. She loved bird watching in Northern California and a strong fascination with reading about the English Royal history. She also delighted in life’s simple pleasures by cooking large family meals for her parents and brother’s family and holiday’s. She loved delicious pastries, strawberry ice cream and her favorite, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Candace was a kind and generous person. She was poised, self-confident, strong faith in Jesus Christ and she taught her daughter service above self. On Saturday mornings, her family enjoyed her famous buttermilk pancakes and sausage after a long work and school week. A favorite memory in 1986 was Candace, her husband Greg and daughter Amede’ climbed Mt. Lassen, reached the crest and shared lunch while looking about over hundreds of miles above the clouds and snow.

Candace was preceded in death by her husband, Gregory M. Filek, SGT, USMC. She is survived by her daughter, Amede’ I. Hanson and her beloved grandchildren, Paige I. Hanson Dax J. Hanson. She will be remembered with deep affection for her strength, elegance, poise, presence, devotion to others and a lasting example to both family and her public service.

A Memorial Service in honor of Candace Filek will be held:

Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 2:00pm

McCormick & Son Mortuary

25002 Moulton Parkway

Laguna Hills, CA 92637

On October 26 at 11:00am, Candace will be laid to rest with her husband, Sgt Gregory M. Filek, USMC, at the Northern CA Veteran’s Cemetery in Igo, CA.