Candida (Candy) Martino, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died on August 6, 2022 at her home in Austin, Texas.

Candy was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1946, and her early years were spent surrounded by her close knit Italian family where grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all lived close by and gathered regularly for Sunday dinners and family celebrations. Spending time with loved ones, especially on Christmas Eve, continued to spark joy throughout her life. The memories made during these moments are precious gifts to her family.

Candy graduated from Lafayette High School in 1964. She soon began working at MetLife in Manhattan where she met her former husband, Jim Martino. They were married in 1969 and settled on Staten Island, NY where they raised two daughters and enjoyed the same family bonds she experienced growing up in Brooklyn. When reminiscing, she would share that this was one of the happiest times of her life. In 1983 a new job opportunity brought them to Houston & eventually to Austin in 1986.

Candy resided in Texas for the last 39 years of her life; however, she remained a true New Yorker. She loved Yankee baseball, had no time for nonsense, was proud of her accent and only drove if she had to. She was an amazing cook and preparing incredible meals for her loved ones brought her, and those fortunate enough to enjoy them, great delight. Candy had an elusive, yet infectious, laugh and a wicked sense of humor. When she found something to be funny it was impossible not to smile and laugh along with her. She was drawn to anything with gold, glitter, and rhinestones, and in her opinion, a little (or a lot) of sparkle never hurt anybody.

Candy retired from the IRS in 2012 after 25 years of service and had fond memories of the many friends and colleagues she worked with. In the final years of her life, she took refuge in her home and enjoyed her own company along with daily visits from Alex Trebek, Michael Landon and the casts of countless Hallmark & Lifetime movies.

Candy is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Pandolfi, and her sister, Rosemary.

Candy will be lovingly remembered by her extended family and friends and is survived by her daughters, Trish and wife Kim of Austin, TX, and Jennifer and husband Frank of Katy, TX. She was blessed with five grandchildren, Jamie, Jake and his wife Victoria, Remy, Briana, Eli, and her two great grandsons Jacob and Bennett

A celebration of Candy's life & reception will be held on Friday, September 9th at 2pm at Harrell Funeral Home located at 4435 Frontier Trail Austin, TX.