Candice Devlin

Candice Sue “Candy” (Austin) Devlin of Lansing, Michigan and Plant City, Florida passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Candy was born on July 9, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan, to Leonard and Ruth Austin.  Candy was a 1968 graduate of Lansing Eastern High School where she excelled and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Candy found her perfect match over 50 years ago when she met her husband, Craig Devlin.  They shared the same mindset; work hard and enjoy life to its fullest.  Candy and Craig always had a project they were working on and with their combined talents they remodeled and built many beautiful homes.  Their biggest project/adventure began in 1989 when they purchased Cooper Body Shop.  They both put endless hours into all aspects of the business and took it from a small shop with 4 employees to the successful six-building complex it is today with 19 employees.

Candy was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Anyone could see how beautiful she was on the outside, but those of us fortunate enough to know her could see the real beauty was in her heart. Candy’s endless talents included carpentry, remodeling, painting, decorating, gardening, landscaping, sewing, to name just a few.  She took great pride in her work and she never left a project unfinished.

When not hard at work or remodeling a home, Candy enjoyed traveling the country with Craig as well as spending time in Northern Michigan and Florida.  Along their journeys, they developed an incredible group of friends who Candy enjoyed spending time with whether it be traveling or meeting for their weekly dinner out.  Candy always looked forward to her annual trip to Saugatuck with her sisters and nieces; it was a special time for “just the girls” with lots of fun and laughter.  More than anything, Candy cherished the time she spent with family and friends.

Candy is survived by her husband, Craig Devlin; sisters Joan Austin of Lansing, Michigan, Trudy (Robert) Sessa of Clearwater Beach, Florida, and Debra (Kevin) Carmody of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; stepdaughters Kim (Jeff) Garczynski of Brighton, Michigan and Kelli Quiroga of Mason, Michigan; sister-in-law Pam (Chuck) Hawkins of Lansing, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She will be deeply missed by all, especially her “kids” Scooter and Sissy.

Candy was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Ruth Austin.

A celebration of Candy’s life with her family and friends will take place at a later date.

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution may do so in loving memory of Candy to the Capital Area Humane Society.