Obituary of Cecilia Rose Stamey

Cecilia Rose “Candy” Barr Stamey Candy, 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at her home in Olympia, Washington on July 21, 2013. She was born on August 31, 1930 in Roslyn, Washington to Charles and Olga Barr. She grew up with her three siblings, Charles Barr (Nancy), Linda Banks (Bill) and Greg Barr (Kathy). She graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1948, where she met her lifelong friends, Louise Petrich and Mary Carek. She moved to Olympia in 1949 where she met Eilert “Joe” “Sonny” Stamey. Candy and Joe were married on November 24, 1951. They had four children and were to celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary this November. They spent their entire marriage living happily in Olympia and were longtime members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Candy worked for the State of Washington in many positions, including secretary to Senator Del Bausch, assistant to the vice president of The Evergreen State College, Dean Clabaugh, and confidential secretary to the Director(s) of the Washington State Retirement Systems, the position from which she retired in 1983. She was a very strong woman who loved spending time with her family and friends, dancing, playing the piano, playing cards and doing crossword puzzles. She was an amazing cook and baker, and was especially known for her razzledazzleberry pie. She loved the flowers in her garden, snapdragons being her favorite. After retirement, she spent her time traveling, spending many winters in Palm Desert, California and going on cruises. She is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, Eilert Stamey; four children, Carole (Andy) Burinsky, Susan (Jaimie) Harris, Kim Stamey and Pat (Corki) Stamey; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Olga Barr; sisters-in-law, Zita, Loretta and Thelma Stamey, and Nancy Barr; brothers-in-law, Elbert and Robert Stamey; and grandson, Brandon Harris. You were the best mom and wife and we will miss you more than words can ever express… We love you more, Mom. There will be a funeral mass at St. Michael’s Church in Olympia on August 9, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception immediately following in the parish gathering area. A private burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Tumwater, Washington. We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Terry Zoccola and the Anthony Care team, especially our dear friends, Rose, Athena, Marisol and Jeremiah. We would also like to thank the Providence Hospice staff for all of their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at www.alzfdn.org. Please leave memories of Candy or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.