Candace Jean (Tiley) Inouye

Candace “Candy” Jean Inouye (Tiley) passed away Monday, April 10, 2023 in Salem, OR with her loving husband at her side. Candy was born May 17, 1955 in Salem, OR to Isaac and Vivien Bennefield. From an early age, Candace had many passions and excelled in school and sports. After graduating from Dallas High School, Candace began her long journey towards her higher education, which eventually led her to obtain her BSN with a 4.0 GPA. Throughout her schooling, Candace loved to run and participate in many sports, one of her favorites being skiing of any kind! After graduating with her degree, Candy began her long career as a CRNFA at Salem Hospital.

While juggling her intense nursing career, Candace always found time for fun! Whether it was concert going, running, reading, jazzercising or skiing, it didn’t matter how, Candace always found the time to do the things she loved. Candace’s love of running eventually led her to complete 5 marathons, spanning across multiple states. When not working or partaking in sports, Candace could be found spending quality time with her beloved cats. Anyone who knew Candace knew the importance of cats. While Candy never had children of her own, her cats took on the role with no hesitation. She loved and cared for them like they were her babies, and the kitties were happy to soak up all the love she poured out to them. Always at the forefront of every conversation, Candace’s love of cats led her to starting her own cat rescue right from her home. She would bring home any stray, injured or lost cat. Nurse them back to health and then adopt out to those in need of a furry companion or see to it that the lost ones made their way back home. Her devotion to cats helped her to run a successful rescue, though, her love of animals didn’t end with cats. Candace was always feeding the local wildlife and trying to make sure they were in good health. Whether it was refreshing their water dish, or leaving snacks on the front porch, Candace was always concerned with the wellbeing of all animals. From her favorite raccoon, Bandie to the never before seen duck, Candy wanted all animals to be happy and healthy with full bellies.

While cats were always her first love, on March 24, 2016, Candace met the love of her life, Kurtis. They had an instant connection and became the best of friends in no time. Their mutual love of music bonded them immediately, and eventually was one of the catalysts for their marriage.

After three years together, Kurtis took Candace to see her favorite musician in Las Vegas. Prior to them leaving for Vegas, in predictable Candace style she said “let’s elope”, and that is what they did. It was perfect, there was a feeling of youthful spontaneity to it. There was no reason to wait, so on April 12, 2019 in a private, intimate setting, Candace and Kurtis made their love official and were married.

Four years after being happily married and still “honeymooning”, Candace suffered a terrible accident at home, which would eventually take her from this world far too soon.

Candace was loved by many and touched countless lives. Her goal in life was always to help others and try to benefit her community in any way possible. Even in her death, Candace did just that, through her selfless act of organ donation, she will hopefully have saved others lives.

Candace leaves behind her loving husband; Kurtis Inouye, brother; Porter Bennefield, sister; Margaret McCloud, step-son; Nick Inouye, sisters-in-law; Karen (Frank) Sunada, Donna (Mike) Akagi and Sherrie (Don) Tousley-Inouye, many nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved kitties: Bryn, Kaydee, Makena, Tugger, Ninja and Madeline. Candace is reunited in Heaven with her beloved (and favorite!) nephew; Les McCloud, her late husband; Fred Tiley, her parents; Isaac and Vivien Bennefield, and her loving cat; Duffy.

We find comfort in knowing that Candace fulfilled her life’s goals in helping others and always lived her life to the fullest. We are devastated that Candace has left so soon, but know that she is on a long, easy run towards the sunrise with her little pal Duffy by her side.

Her family asks that you visit her tribute video on her memorial page at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service’s website.

Memorial contributions can be made to Safe Haven (double check) and Konko Church of Portland.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Joe Bonamassa - Asking Around For You

https://youtu.be/5NgGwgK8SA4

Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah

https://youtu.be/y8AWFf7EAc4

Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World

https://youtu.be/VqhCQZaH4Vs