Miss Christine Candler
A LONG-serving volunteer at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Christine Candler, died at her home last Monday, aged 70.
Born in Dorking in January, 1942, she lived on the Island for half a century — coming here with her parents when they retired.
Miss Candler was a familiar face at Woolworths, Newport, where she worked for more than 40 years.
She joined the hospice as a volunteer in 2002 and worked in its shops before she adopted a book-sorting role — initially in the shops, then at the charity’s donation and distribution centre.
In July, Miss Candler, of Castle Road, Newport, was given long-service recognition to mark her ten years in the role, at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s annual award and recognition afternoon.
When asked what had inspired her to become a hospice volunteer, she said: "Years ago, the manager of the Lugley Dress Agency approached me and asked me to join the team when I retired. It wasn’t long before I decided to volunteer in the Holyrood Street shop, too.
"I used to work in a library and I had an interest in books, so when an opportunity to look after the books in the shop arose, I took it on.
"A highlight for me when volunteering is helping in the kitchen at the Barton Manor open days. "
Miss Candler was an animal lover and kept many rescue dogs.
Her hobbies included painting and drawing and she enjoyed travelling. She had a close circle of friends and neighbours, with whom she enjoyed trips and holidays abroad.
"The hospice is enormously grateful to her for a life spent quietly helping others," said a spokesman.
She is survived by a nephew and four grandnieces and nephews.
Her funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church, Carisbrooke, on Wednesday, December 12, at 1.30pm, followed by a private burial at Mountjoy Cemetery.