Candace Burlison

Candace Leitzell

Burlison Born: Wednesday, March 26th, 1930 Raton, New Mexico

Died: Wednesday, April 7th, 2121 Albuquerque, New Mexico, aged 91

She was preceded in death by sister, Patricia (George) Bischoff and brother-in-law, Albert “Mac” McNiel.

Candace is survived by her sister, Linda “Penny” (Leitzell) McNiel; children, Jay Burlison, Kelly Burlison, and Michael (Tammy) Burlison; grandchildren, Joey Bramlett, Kelcie (Casey) Spurgin, Daniel Burlison, and Keven MacRunnels; greatgranddaughter AncelleRhône Spurgin; and nephews, Carl Bischoff and Todd (Pam) Bischoff.

Born in Raton, New Mexico to John Wilbur and Vivian Varo Hintze Leitzell, Candace lived a long, varied, interesting, and adventurous life. She lived her first nine years in a gold mining camp in the mountains of northeastern New Mexico. She worked in Los Alamos when it was still a secret city, later transferring to the Los Angeles offices of the Atomic Energy Commission. There she met a merchant seaman, and after a short time in the LA area, they travelled to Seattle, put themselves, all their possessions, and a large Doberman into a 16foot open boat with a cranky old motor, and went to Alaska. Her three children were born during her 10 years there.

Eventually, she returned to her hometown of Cimarrón, New Mexico and became a successful business woman. After 24 years there she moved the business, Incienso de Santa Fé, to Albuquerque, where it thrives to this day.

Candace was kind, compassionate, generous, intelligent, courageous, and strong-willed. Her sense of humor was unique - quick, quirky, perceptive, never mean - and frequently employed. For her entire life, she remained deeply curious about a wide range of subjects and read avidly.

She loved most kinds of music, especially that of the of the Big Band era.

She admired the creative endeavors of others and pursued several creative endeavors herself. One place where her aesthetic sense really shone was interior design - unique, original, always tasteful, using an incredibly diverse variety of materials.

A few years ago, Candace moved to an assisted living facility, when it became apparent to her that she would at some point require additional care. Even in her small quarters, her decorating style and interesting collections continued to delight her caretakers and visitors.

Especially important during the COVID isolation, Candace enjoyed the friendship and support of a small community of residents who shared memories, music and cigarettes under the gazebo at the facility where she lived.

A tremendous source of comfort and help to both Candace and her family was her Silver Linings Hospice Care family. Particular thanks, and heartfelt gratitude go to Lydia, Loretta, Erinn, Ana, and Kyle for their professionalism, compassion, and caring.

Even toward the end of her life, with increasing health issues, Candace remained determined to do as much as possible for herself and under her own power. She reached the end of the trail peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family, with a gentle smile on her face.

The family plans a small private ceremony, returning Candace to her New Mexico mountain home, in the fall.

Please visit our online guestbook for Candace at www.FrenchFunerals.com to read the full obituary.