Candice Berger Parent

Born on January 27, 1971, in Ashland, PA, she was the daughter of Frank Berger and Beverly Hollabaugh.

Candice graduated from Limestone High School in 1989 and attended the University of Maine at Farmington where she was a three-sport athlete playing volleyball, basketball, and softball. She currently sits in the Hall of Fame at UMF for both basketball and volleyball. It was there she met the love of her life Mark Parent whom she married on July 27, 1996. Candice and Mark settled in Central Maine and began building their life with their five beautiful children. She began her career as a teacher in the Skowhegan schools where her love of coaching first started.

Her next stop was on to Mayflower Hill. Over the course of her 26-year coaching career at Colby College, she not only honed the skills of her athletes but also inspired them to reach for greatness both on and off the court.

Her unwavering commitment to her players and her sport made Candice a pillar of strength within the Colby College community. She was not only a coach but a mentor, a role model, and a guiding light to the countless student-athletes who had the privilege of being under her tutelage.

Candice’s coaching style was defined by a perfect blend of discipline and compassion. She pushed her athletes to achieve their full potential, instilling in them a sense of teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship that went beyond the game. Her influence extended well beyond the volleyball court, as she taught her players life skills that would serve them well in all their future endeavors.

In addition to her Colby life, Candice dedicated her entire life to shaping and mentoring the youth of our community. Her coaching extended well beyond the field or court; it was a labor of love that touched the lives of countless young individuals.

Her own children were the beneficiaries of her support and guidance, receiving not only a mother's love but also a coach's wisdom. She instilled in them the same drive, determination, and passion for sports and life that she shared with all the young people she coached.

As a mother, Candice was the embodiment of unwavering love and support. She dedicated herself to her children, nurturing them with kindness, patience, and encouragement. Her children were her pride and joy, and she took immense delight in watching them grow, guiding them through life's challenges, and celebrating their successes. She could be seen most nights and weekends in her Messalonskee gear coaching one of the five children’s teams.

Candice was not only an exceptional mother but also a devoted wife to her loving husband. Together, they built a life filled with love, trust, and a deep connection that was a shining

example of enduring commitment. Their partnership was marked by understanding, mutual respect, and the kind of love that knows no bounds.

Candice was a sister and daughter to be admired, a loyal friend to many, and a confidant who always provided a listening ear and comforting words in times of need. Her generosity and kindness knew no limits, and her friendships were built on a foundation of trust and support. Her warm smile, friendly demeanor, and innate ability to make others feel valued will be remembered by all who had the privilege of calling her a friend.

As we say our goodbyes to Candice Berger Parent, let us remember her for the love she gave, the joy she shared, and the kindness she spread throughout her lifetime. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Candice was predeceased by her grandmother Josephine Berger, her father-in-law Leonard Parent, her Aunt Patricia Berger, her Uncle Father Robert Berger, and her brother Robert Berger.

She is survived by her partner in life, Mark Parent, her five children Emily, Matthew, Daniel, Ryan, and Lydia; her mom, Beverly Hollabaugh; her dad Frank Berger, and his wife Sue; her brothers Scott and Jason Berger; her grandmother Lois Lupp; her mother in law Alice Parent; her sister in law Christine Harmon and her husband Joseph Harmon and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., November 4th at St. John Catholic Church, Winslow. She will be buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Oakland. Following the burial at Candice’s request, a celebration of her life will be held at Enchanted Gables, 78 Hussey Hill Road, Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Messalonskee All Sports Boosters, 131 Messalonskee High Drive, Oakland ME 04963, a cause that was dear to Candice's heart.

Candice's spirit lives on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Parent family.