Candace Margaret (Jones) Riegel, known to those closest to her as Neen, passed away on September 2nd at the age of 38, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family at home. Candace was born on August 28, 1988, in Geneva, New York. She was a graduate of Clyde-Savannah Junior Senior High School and Hobart and William Smith colleges with a Bachelor of Science. Candace worked as a teacher’s aide for several years, which fueled her passion for teaching youth to live a healthier lifestyle. This led to her career as the Farm to School educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County.

Despite her accomplishments, her greatest fulfillment came from being a mother. Her children fueled her incredible strength. Despite years of adversity, she still put others first and never complained. Like the wildflowers she loved so much, Candace had such an effortless, natural beauty about her. We loved every freckle, her beautiful long eyelashes, her stunning smile, big brown eyes and her patient, calm, kind-hearted nature.

Her favorite things were snuggling her babies, slow intentional mornings, baking from scratch, tending to flowers, and a good cup of coffee. Springtime was her favorite time of year. She loved being outdoors, feeling the grass between her toes, the first rays of sun in the morning, and listening to her children laugh as they played. She knew what it truly meant to live. She focused on what was most important in life, even before this battle that took her from us. Her simplicity made her extraordinary. Candace is survived by her children, Riayla Jones (19), Quinn Riegel (7), Jakeb Riegel (5), and Katie Riegel (3); her mother, Donna (Gansz) Jones; her siblings, William Jones, Pamela Perrin, Justin (Brett) Jones, Joshua (Kim) Jones, Sarah (Cameo Isaac) Jones, Sandra (Michael) Higgins, Samantha (Steven) Wright, and Rebecca (Shawn) Donk; her grandfather, Charles Gansz; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved “Aunt Neeny” dearly.

She is predeceased by her infant daughter, Malina Riegel; and her father, Sherman Jones. A celebration of life will take place with close family and friends on Sunday, September 13th.

In lieu of flowers, Candace wished for donations to be made in her name to the Seneca County CCE Farm to School program at 369 E Main St. Waterloo, NY 13165 or to Candace’s go fund me page toward her children’s future.

To leave the family an online condolence or memory, please visit Candace's guestbook at www.murphyfuneralservices.com.