Debora L. McCandless, 70, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of 209 Dagus Mines Road, Kersey, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Elk Haven.

She was born December 7, 1953, in Ridgway, to the late Harold and Mary McCabe Stahli.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Johnsonburg schools.  Debora was a homemaker raising her family, and later worked as a home health aide for over 20 years with various companies including CRI and Voices for Independence.  She enjoyed helping and caring for other people.

On October 16, 1971, in Wilcox, Debora married the late James W. McCandless, who preceded her in death on September 6, 2007.

She is survived by one daughter, Jolene McCandless Ott (Eric) of St. Marys; three sons: James McCandless (Judy) of Auburn, NY, Jason McCandless of Kersey, and Jesse McCandless of St. Marys; eight grandchildren: Ashley McCandless, Katlyn Badtorff (Mark), Colby McCandless, J.P. McCandless, Jordyn McCandless, Chloe Ott, Nevaeh Ott, and Caralyn Ott; five great-grandchildren: Alexis, Julianne, Blake, Elliot, and Jace; two sisters: Cindy Haight (Kurt) of Angola, NY and Pauline Stahli of Wilcox; one brother, David “Butch” Stahli (Kayleen) of Kersey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Debora was preceded in death by two sons, Joseph and Jonathan McCandless; a sister, Rosie Stahli; and a brother, Tom Stahli.

Debora had many interests and found pleasure building puzzles, reading books and listening to the radio.  Her family was her pride and joy and loved every minute spent with each of them.  She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 4:00PM until 6:00PM. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:00AM with Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, celebrating.  Burial will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1128 State Street, Suite 301, Erie, PA 16501-1920.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com