Mary Elsie "Candi" Espinoza, 78, left us on Saturday, November 19, 2022, in Sterling, Colorado, after a short illness. A private celebration for Candi was held.

Candi was born on March 26, 1944, in Monte Vista, Colorado. Candi devoted her life to helping others. In addition to raising four children largely on her own, Candi spent her professional life as a registered nurse in Sterling. Later in life, she cared for developmentally disabled persons in Fort Collins, Colorado. Candi had a passion for the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and building her elaborate Santa villages during the holidays.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Bertina Padilla, and brothers Michael and David.

Candi is survived by her sisters Christina Conour and Gloria Lopez, sons Joseph, Anthony, Sterling, and daughter Deanna, as well as grandchildren Christopher, Chapéll, Isaiah, RyAnne, Roman, Anthony, Nicholas, and Cynthia, and many nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.

Candi gave every single fiber of her being to improve the lives of those she cared for, and she has left an immeasurable legacy, one for which those of us who follow her will honor to carry on.