Candice "Candi" Carson

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Candice “Candi” Carson, 73, formerly of Poland, died peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, surrounded by her family.

Candi was born July 22, 1949, in Canton, the daughter of Frank and Betty Sekula.

Candi was a 1967 graduate of Boardman High School. While raising her children, she attended Choffin School of Nursing, from where she graduated and went on to pursue her nursing career. Candi was passionate about her work as a nurse and was proud of this accomplishment, as was her family. She spent time working as a private nurse, in nursing homes, the private prison and the county jail.

Upon moving to Florida, 22 years ago, she continued her career in nursing and worked until she could no longer manage. She went on busily selling homes in her neighborhood, baking cookies for everyone, and sewing quilts for her grandsons, family members and anyone who had a new baby.

Candi spent countless hours supporting her children as they grew up, from the baseball fields to volunteering at Holy Family School. She loved being involved in their lives.

Candi’s life took her to Florida in 2003 when she married her current husband, Jerry Carson. She made a beautiful home and loved sharing it with family and friends.

Although she moved to Florida, this didn’t stop her from being involved with her children and grandchildren. Candi made it known that she would be back “home” often, and that she was. You may have met her at one of her grandson’s events, be it a school or church function, baseball or soccer game, swim meet or cross country race. Candi made her presence known; she loved life; she loved people. If she couldn’t make it in person, she’d watch from Game Changer, Facebook Live, FaceTime, or on the local high school television station, cheering on her grandsons.

She would often enjoy fishing, sewing, crafting, baking, trying out new recipes and supporting the Cleveland Indians and all things Tampa Bay, minus the Buccaneers — she remained a Steelers fan when it came to football. You could also find her catching up with family and friends at the local casino or at Landmark over a meal. Candi loved her family and friends more than they would ever know — often she showed them in only ways that made sense to her. She was loved. She loved life!

Candi is survived by her husband, Jerry Carson, whom she married Dec. 9, 2005; daughter, Carla (Mike) Bettross of Poland; son, John “JJ” (Beth) Dobkowski of Hinckley; sisters, Lindy (Tom) McMurray of Poland and Frances Tisone of Kentucky; brothers, Ed (Paula) Sekula of Niles and Mike Sekula of Youngstown; four grandchildren, Alex Dobkowski, Jacob Dobkowski, Gabriel Bettross and Nick Dobkowski; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Carol Grope and Cathy McMurray; and former husband, Myron Dobkowski.

Despite Candi not wanting any funeral arrangements, her children are honoring their mom with a small celebration of her life. Family and friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel. A prayer service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested to honor Candi by enjoying every moment of each day by making beautiful memories with loved ones, family and friends — sharing one another and being present in each other’s lives. Enjoy life!