Candace D. Booker Obituary (1950 - 2020)

Candace Diane Booker unexpectedly died in her sleep in her cozy St. Paul home at the start of September. Candace created lasting friendships wherever she went. Born in Chicago on December 4, 1950, Candace grew up in Minneapolis and started her acting career at Children’s Theater. At Mankato State University, she acted and was also the theater department milliner, fashioning glorious hats for a variety of shows. Candace continued her stage career for many years, trodding the boards at Theatre in the Round, Chimera, Powderhorn Players, the Jewish Community Center, Buffalo Pie Players Radio Theatre, and no doubt others. Starting her health-care career at Children’s and St. John’s hospitals, Candace became a skilled and dedicated nurse for many years at St. Paul Regions Hospital. But Candace had many other talents. Those of us who were lucky to get a Slice of Heaven from Candace’s Collection of Cheesecakes won’t ever forget. She was also well-known in Seattle, WA, as the Pie Empress for her impressive and delicious selection of pies that she baked annually for Thanksgiving, which included pumpkin, mixed berry, apple walnut, pecan, and lemon tarts, along with new choices at every feast, not to mention her other outstanding baking treats such as gingerbread, chocolate decadence dessert, and butterscotch brownies. She was also a famous cook, sought out for her butternut squash soup, pork chops, baked chicken . . . and the list goes on. Obituaries don’t usually make my mouth water, but Candace was exceptional in the kitchen. An avid reader, she also knitted continuously, generously donating her creations to those in need. She loved movies, good political discussions, and cats and dogs (though she was terribly allergic to them). She cared for and loved her friends like family. We miss you, Candace, and wish you shalom, peace, as you move on. If you’d like, donations can be made in Candace’s name to the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, Animal Humane Society, or a charity of your choice. Private service to be held.