Obituary of Candice Cottom Day

Candice Day

May 17, 1948-August 14, 2022

Candice Day passed away after a battle with cancer on August 14, 2022. Losing her at just 74 years young has left a hole in many hearts, but those who loved her are grateful for every minute they had with her.

Candy, as she was known in her younger years, was the beloved daughter of John and Madeline Cottom. She grew up alongside her younger sister Gaile in Avon, New York. Although the family joked that Candy treated Gaile as a “human remote control” when they were kids, they grew up to become best friends who usually spoke multiple times daily.

After graduating from Avon High School, Candy attended Monroe Community College. The greatest surprise and joy of her life was becoming a young mother to Alayne and Chris. She raised them in Avon, close to her parents and large extended family, including many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Like her father and many family members, Candy briefly worked at Kodak, but spent most of her working life, over 25 years, at Lightnin Co. There, she made dear friends to whom she remained close for the rest of her life. As a true people person, customer service was always her calling. When she worked at Verizon, her bosses thought some of her phone calls with customers stretched a bit long, but she left callers satisfied.

Outside of work, Candy was always up for a new adventure and a good time. Not many people take up skiing, swimming, or rollerblading in their 40s, but she was game. She loved to travel, especially to a destination with a beautiful water view or a casino. The Bahamas, where she took many trips with her extended family, always had a special place in her heart. She loved spending time on the beach and a fun boat ride, especially if music and cocktails were involved. Watching her beloved Buffalo Bills and tennis, particularly if Venus or Serena were playing in a big match, were favorite pastimes. If she were here, she would say “13 seconds!!!” Any true Bills fan knows exactly what that means.

Candy was the ultimate cool mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was always willing to talk about anything—truly, *anything*—to listen, and to dispense advice. Being the mother of Alayne and Chris, and the grandmother of Storm, Jai, and Tylan was her greatest joy. Together, Candy, Alayne, and Chris were an unshakeable trio. And she loved hanging out with her grandsons, particularly during sleepovers and camping trips—even when it meant she had to watch The Lion King over and over and over again. Tameka and April became her daughters as well. She watched their accomplishments with pride. Candy shared much love and laughter with all of them.

Two other loves require mention: dogs and food. She was a devoted Dog Mom to Tasha, Baron, and Luca, and Dog Grammy to Saint. She was a great cook and, as long as her exacting standards were met, also loved to have a meal out. Her eggs had to be scrambled soft, her steak had to be well-seasoned, and her bacon had to be crisp—never flibbery. Trying new restaurants in and around New York City during visits to Gaile and her family was always a treat.

Those who were close to her will always remember her unmatchable wit, wisdom, and incredible kindness. She made friends everywhere she went, most recently at Oak Hill Terrace in Brighton, where she lived and found a wonderful community in recent years. She was so grateful for the support she received from friends, both old and new, in her final months. The excellent care she received from the kind staff at Serenity House, where she spent her last days, eased her transition.

A favorite family memory is of Candy being crowned “Miss Flame” at Kodak in 1971. The picture of her posing next to a fire truck, wearing the winner’s sash and donning a perfect afro, hung in her parents’ home for many years. That title reflected her beauty, but those who loved her knew that she was even more beautiful inside than out. She will be missed forever. Her memory is a blessing.

A memorial service will take place on Sunday, August 21, 1 pm, at Dierna Funeral Home, 2309 Culver Road, Rochester, NY 14609. Donations can be made in her memory to the Serenity House of Victor or sarcomaalliance.org.