Candace Eileen Curie, 68, of Fort Wayne, IN, surrounded by loving family and friends, entered her eternal rest in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 30, 2025.

Born in Chambersburg, PA she was the daughter of Clarence R. and Helen L (Deshong) Bard. She was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, aunt and friend. She graduated with honors from Huntington University, Huntington, IN, and subsequently earned her Master's in Public Administration from Penn State University. Her professional career encompassed several key leadership positions, including President CEO of the Bethlehem (PA) Area Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO position with the Gaithersburg/Germantown (MD) Chamber of Commerce and Founding Partner & Principal of The Curie Group, LLC.  While leading the Chamber in Bethlehem, PA she played a crucial role in ongoing development of Downtown Bethlehem, including the renovation and reopening of the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.  She worked closely with downtown merchants and local businesses to strengthen Bethlehem's identity as "Christmas City, USA".

Candace (Candy) was a recipient of several awards acknowledging her exceptional work and leadership.  She received the 1998 Woman of the Year Award by the Bethlehem YWCA, where she was recognized for "Her exceptional ability, commitment and integrity in helping others" and "that her devotion to her fellowman reflects her compassion, humility and respect for all humanity".  In 2002 she was recipient of the Athena Award which "recognizes those individuals who make a difference for women in our local communities and around the world."

Through the years she served on numerous boards of directors and advisory groups including The Lehigh Valley Partnership, Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, the Private Industry Council, The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, Northampton County Economic Development Council, Bethlehem Rotary Club, the American Cancer Society, the Ballet guild of the Lehigh Valley, and the Historic Bethlehem Partnership. She was a member of the Board of Trustees for Huntington University for several terms up until the present.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Charles Curie; a sister in-law Leota (Philip) Bauman; her nephew, Daniel (Pam) Rardin; her niece, Tina (Jimmy) Wingett; her nephew, Matthew Bauman and her great nephews, Luke Rardin, Tyler Rardin and Clay Rardin. She was preceded in her death by her parents.

A celebration of Candace's life will be held at Huntington University, Habecker Dining Commons, 502 Lake St., Huntington, IN 46750 on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Huntington University Forester Fund. To give online: https://www.huntington.edu/advancement/ways-to-give/give-online (note in memory of Candace Curie) or by mail: Huntington University, Office of Advancement, 2303 College Avenue, Huntington, IN 46750.

Candace's faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. Her overriding goal each day was to assure others experienced God's grace and compassion through what she would do and speak. We rejoice that she is now at everlasting peace with her Heavenly Father.