Candace Ann Swetkis

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died April 30, 2022

If there is an afterlife, it’s likely Candy is right now rounding up some ballplayers and looking for a diamond to play a game of fastpitch softball. Candace Ann Swetkis, born May 25, 1945, passed away on April 30 after a determined battle with cancer. She was 76.

Candy was born in Escanaba though lived in Pennsylvania, Schaefer, Watson and Escanaba before graduating from Gwinn High School in 1963 and from Northern Michigan University in 1970 with a political science major and minor in biology. She was always grateful to her mother for insisting that she go to college and she obtained her teaching certificate from NMU.

Candy’s first love was teaching and she was very, very good at it. She taught at the Escanaba Junior High School for her entire 27 year career, teaching the earth sciences to 8 th graders. During her 25 years of retirement, many of her students would remind her of the positive impact she had on their young lives. There was not a year that went by that she wasn’t stopped on the street or in a store by a former student, proud to say that they still had their rock or fossil collections from Junior High, or how much they still enjoyed identifying the constellations in the night sky. But truthfully, Candy never really retired from teaching: she brought minerals from her collection to the nurses at Green Bay Oncology to share with their grandchildren.

Candy’s second love was fastpitch softball and she excelled at that too. Anyone who knew Candy on the ballfield knew her to be a fierce competitor, skilled in strategy and knowledgeable of the rules. While Candy would be the first to admit that she was not an overpowering pitcher, she surrounded herself with ballplayers who were as passionate about playing and winning as she was. And those teams that she coached and played on led to some impressive career statistics: in her 36 years of playing fastpitch, she played in over 1000 games, had a .705 career winning percentage and a .360 career batting average. She also won two state fastpitch softball championships and was chosen as the State Class D Most Valuable Fastpitch Pitcher at age 50. When the local women’s fastpitch league folded in 2000, she began playing slowpitch and was equally successful at that game as well, playing and coaching first the Paquin’s and then the Elmer’s Softball teams to many league championships over the past 22 years. She also collected her third state softball championship in slowpitch at the age of 55. She was still playing softball as recently as last summer, even as she endured chemo treatments which she scheduled around her softball schedule. Anyone who knew Candy well is not at all surprised by that. Candy’s love of softball extended beyond coaching and playing on her own teams. She truly loved the game. She was an MASA Commissioner, a registered umpire, President of the local fastpitch league, Little League and Junior Miss Coach, Tournament Director, Co-Director for the Dot Richardson Softball Clinic and most importantly, was a respected and beloved mentor for many, many young women who both played for and against her. Just like the positive impact she had on her Junior High students, Candy had a lasting effect on the lives of many young women because of her demonstrated ability as a leader, an inspiring motivator, a supportive mentor, and always, always, as a strong advocate for women and girls. As competitive as Candy was, she was equally compassionate and generous. She loved helping out “her kids” as she called them, usually young women going to college, only asking that they pay it forward once they were able.

She donated to countless charities and was always looking out for those who couldn’t look out for themselves. She could be found walking neighborhood dogs while their owners were off to work, or ensuring that her flocks of birds and deer at camp were well fed. Candy was a strong feminist, battling injustice as early as her days of college during the turbulent 1960’s. One of her proudest moments was when she, together with the Michigan ACLU won her lawsuit against the City of Escanaba when they refused to let women play softball on the Bay College ballfield back in the 1970’s.

Candy became a realtor shortly after retirement and continued to work in that field until recently. She was an active and proud member of the Highland Golf Course as well as Bay Sages and the Eagles. She was an accomplished deer hunter, a proud stockholder in the Green Bay Packers, an avid gardener and bird watcher.

Candy is survived by her partner of 37 years Anne Okonek, by her “oldest, dearest and bestest” friend Connie Verhamme, many cousins, as well as a wide circle of friends who loved and respected her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her mother Sylvia (nee Manninen), her father Albert, and her brothers Fritz and Alan.

A heartfelt thank you to Darcy and the skilled and caring nurses and doctors at Green Bay Oncology in Escanaba, and deep appreciation for the compassionate 24/7 team of caregivers at OSF Hospice. And a very special thank you to Brenda Madden for your selfless presence in Candy’s final hours.

A celebration of life in Candy’s name will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM, at the Highland Golf Course, 3011 US-2 Escanaba, MI 49829. Light refreshments will be served. Friends and family are encouraged to come and go as you please. Bring a lawn chair if you’d like to sit outdoors. If you’re interested in donating to a charity in Candy’s memory, she was a long-time supporter of Public Radio and TV, Emily’s List, Feeding America Western Michigan, the local Salvation Army or give to a charity of your choice.

35 Tributes for “Candace Ann Swetkis”

    I am one of Miss Swetkis’ former students, and as her tribute reads, she absolutely had a profound effect on me during my junior high years. I used to take her classes, not only because they were interesting, but because it was her teaching them. To this day, I try to identify rocks and minerals and have quite the collection. This is due to the knowledge she bestowed onto all of us.
    I’m very saddened to learn of her passing, but I’m glad since the times I interacted with her in the late 80s, that she’d had a wonderful, active life.

    When I was 10 and she was 20 she suited me up in Catchers gear and showed me my position. Walked to the pitchers mound and tossed me a couple lights ones that I caught easily and said “OK, get ready for my real pitches”. Knocked me right over backwards!!! Haha. She was a great teacher and coach and treated me well all my life.

    Ann, you are in my thoughts and prayers, I know how hard it is to lose your soul mate. I can’t even find enough words to even begin describe how much both Candy and you have helped women to become stronger. I will never forget the bus ride to Washington and the day spent at the NOW Rally, it was truly a great couple off days.

    I have never met anyone that had as much love an passion for the game of softball. You would see Candy watching all levels of the game, from little league, to travel ball tournaments, to high school up to the women’s league games (when she wasn’t playing). To Anne and all of Candy’s family and friends, you have my deepest sympathy.

    Oh anne we are so very sorry for your loss. Holding you up in prayer and sending many blessings of peace to you and all that were lucky enough to have known her. Hugs my friend

    I played softball with Candy. She was an awesome player and always willing to help you get better. She will be missed by everyone that knew her. Soar high with the Angels Candy.

    Wow, what a tribute to a wonderful person and competitor. I had the opportunity to play ball with and against Candy. Every thing you have read it true. She was an amazing ballplayer. She could place hit that ball. If you moved in on her in her later years of softball, it was guaranteed her places the ball just over your head. My deepest sympathy to Annie, her right hand partner and also an outstanding catcher and ballplayer as well. May God give all those who loved Candy the strength during this very difficult loss.

    With deepest sympathy to Anne, friends and relatives of Candy. I was glad to have known her. She had such great spirit and was so kind hearted. I’m sure she will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her , she touched many lives.

    One of my most favorite teachers and I learned many things from her not only in class at junior high but even later in life seeing her and talking with her in the community. You will be sadly missed young lady.

    I have always had the highest respect for Candy and I’m sorry she is gone. But she was always on a high note and she left the same. My sincere condolences to Ann, who has always been a friend.

    My heart breaks for you Anne. Brenda too. I knew something was wrong, but not this.

    May she Rest In Peace in the hands of the Lord.

    I was so very saddened to hear of Candy’s passing. When I was a very young, single Mom & brand new to the Escanaba area, I took a job at the Jr. High School as a secretary to the Principal. It was an extremely challenging time in my young life, & Candy was one of the AMAZING teachers who rallied around me & took myself and my young daughter under her wing… she treated us as though we were family! I will forever remember her with love & gratitude, as will my daughter. Sending my love and my prayers to her lifelong partner Anne, her family and all those who were blessed to have Candy in their lives….♥️ Shari Norris

    SO SAD TO HEAR OF YOUR PASSING CANDY, YOU WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY OF US & SOFTBALL WILL NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU, RIP SWEETIE, YOU HAD A BEAUTIFUL LIFE & WE WILL MISS YOU…HUGS DEAR…

    Candy Swetkis was a game changer. I had the privilege of having her as a teacher where she challenged each and every one of us to pursue excellence. Candy pushed me on the softball field and at a very young age, put me up against fierce competitors who were twice my age where I held my own because Candy believed in me. Candy supported my sisters, my mom, and my dad. It was common for Candy to stop by the Courneene house and see how all of us were doing. Candy made the difference for women’s athletics and took some harassment in the process from those who were threatened by her mission, her devotion, and her drive to level the playing field and open up possibilities for girls and women of sports. She was ahead of her time and many people were threatened by her cause . . . and what did Candy do, she continued the fight and stayed the course. Candy made an impactful impression on me. I will continue her fight, her drive, and devotion in the pursuit of excellence, equity, and justice. I am deeply saddened by Candy’s passing and will also hold a very special place in my heart for her. Thank you Candy for being you and helping girls and women be all they can be, have the confidence to be the difference, and be true to self.

    Wow! What an amazing obituary it captured her spirit so well. It wasn’t just last week that I was taking out the dog with my boyfriend and pointed to the sky. I told him that’s the constellation Orion! It’s my favorite. You know in his belt is a nebula! Whenever I look at the stars I think of her. It’s amazing how that has stayed with me. There is an afterlife and people like you have a special place in it.

    My husband,Joe, and Candy were dear friends for many years. They enjoyed ice fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. They also enjoyed a cold drink or two. They respected each other as colleagues at the Jr High.
    My sons had the privilege of having Candy as a teacher. She excelled in the classroom.
    Candy was genuine, caring and a woman ahead of her time. Anyone who knew her was a lucky person.
    RIP,Candy.

    As a former student of Miss Swetkis, I will never forget the impact she left me with. To this day I love the constellations and am always looking for fossils. I had the pleasure of getting struck out several times in my softball career by her amazing pitches. She truly was a wonderful women and an amazing teacher. May you Rest In Peace and enjoy the heavenly ball field.

    Candy will be missed at coffee get togethers! I will miss her conversations from politics to things about the Copper Country. Belss you Ann, for being a great friend and partner in her life! Sandy and Joe Petrin

    My deepest sympathies to you, Anne. Candy was the best teacher for both school and softball. I enjoyed her in the classroom and many years playing ball with her. She made playing ball fun! I played on her team until I got into the paper mill and we started a Mead women’s baseball team. Our two teams met in the championship game one year. Our regular pitcher couldn’t make it, so I had to pitch. I’m not a fast pitcher and I thought we’d get our butts handed to us, they were that good. My pitching threw them off balance because of the speed. We ended up winning that game and the first thing Candy said was, “good pitching, Case”. I’ll never forget that! Candy had a heart of gold, and as her obituary states, she for sure is playing ball right now. We will miss you. May you Rest In Peace.

    I always knew it was going to be a good game when we played against Candy’s team! They were our biggest fastpitch rivals and no matter who won, there was always good sportsmanship. One of my most memorable moments was when I was able to strike Candy out and she complimented me after the game. What a great example to us younger girls!

    This is such a Loss to the community and she will be greatly Missed. Deepest condolences.

    As the article states she was a loved and highly respected individual that will be deeply missed. Ms Anne I’m so sorry for your loss. You are surrounded by so many that love you dearly. Hugs and prayers to you. ❤️

    Anne. Kel and I are so very sorry for your loss. We did not know Candace very well but after reading the obituary, it is obvious she was a lovely woman who will be missed by all the people she touched in her life.

    I was so saddened to hear of Candy’s death. Thought of trying to get together with the old Idle Hour crew but always think you have tomorrow.
    Proud to say I played with Candy for a couple yrs. One tough lady. Thank you for teaching me how to play a halfway decent center field. Fly with the angels mt friend

    I am also deeply saddened to hear of Candy’s passing. She truly changed my life. I was a student of hers in the classroom and on the ballfield. I will always remember her coming yo my house when I was 13 years old, asking my mother for permission to play women’s fastpitch softball. As the years passed and it was time for college, had it not been for the detailed statistics that Candy kept, I likely would have never been recruited for college and a softball scholarship. She was truly an amazing woman. I learned many life lessons in those young years and will be forever grateful for all Ms. Swetkis did for me. Rest in peace my friend!!

    Dear Ann,
    I’m sad to learn of Candy’s passing. Although she didn’t graduate with Escanaba’s Class of ‘63 due to moving, she was always and will be one of us. I’ve known her since the 60’s as a friend and colleague. Her obituary said it all. A devoted educator, friend, athlete, activist and community supporter. May her legacy live on.

    Ann,
    I was so sorry to hear of Candy’s passing as she was such a leader and teacher in so many aspects of her life. From a student to adulthood, I have always admired her. She will be missed by many, but her contributions in life will not be forgotten. Thank you for sharing her for all these years. Godspeed

    What a great woman. I am blessed to have been her friend for the last few years. I am so thankful my time spent with Candy. Knowing her made my life brighter!

    I had my first chance to play fast pitch on a league because of Candy. I was only 12 and I had to be 13 but she said it would be okay and those summers were to be some of the best of my life because of her. I shall never forget her and it was with great sadness that I heard of her passing but yes I know when I’m no longer here I’ll be catching Candy’s fast ball there

    What a significant loss for you and so many others with Candy’s passing and what a remarkable woman she was. Grief is a process which goes on night and day, and it takes time because the mind lets in only the amount of reality it can bear. It is deeply personal, for every person’s grief is unique in its particulars. The only experience of life that is in any way comparable to grieving is that of being in love. Love consumes the lover, dominates their every moment. So it is with grief. Although you cannot penetrate the mystery of life and death, you will be increasingly aware that you and your loved one came from God, you belong to God, and that you will go to God. Love is the most important thing in the world and love has no ending. At the time of death this loving part of us does not die but in some way continues with God. Those who have gone before her are reaching out to welcome her home.

    I am grateful for Candy, Anne, Brenda and others that paved the way for generations of girls to have the opportunity and passion “Or close because I don’t know if anyone else ever will fill her shoes” for the game. Because of Candy I had the chance to play and now coach my daughters team. You will be missed this summer. Thank you for opening doors and being a trail blazer. I’m still afraid of inside pitches. ❤️

    Our sincere condolences to all of Candy’s family and friends! Candy and I would bump into each other from time to time and the discussion was always about sports …Especially Fast-Pitch softball or golf. She was a true athlete and taught a lotta young kids about sports…Winning and losing! Rest in Peace Candy!

    I was saddened to hear of Ms. Swetkis’s passing. I’m one of her former students and she will be greatly missed.

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