Candise Petersen

Some people make the world feel warmer, and Candise Petersen was one of them. On January 9th, 2026, Candise passed away saying goodbye to this world, but the love, joy, and memories she gave us all forever remain. "Candy", as she was most known, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose kindness, generosity, and steadfast love shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Candise was born August 25, 1951, in Bellingham, WA to Harris and Nellie Byers, remaining a Whatcom County Native nearly all her life. She was a proud graduate of Ferndale High School classs of 1969, where she unsurprisingly still connected with many of the people she impacted from those days. While working at Fisherman's Cove Marina, she met the love of her life, Terry Petersen. Happily married 54 years sharing many adventures together including raising their son, Justin. Attending college in Aurora University and Western Washington, she took her giving selfless spirit into the world of social work with 35 years working for the Department of Social and Health Services. Professionally and personally, she was a caretaker through and through. Whether it be beachcombing for rocks, scrapbooking, quilting, or exploring with paints, she always made time to fill her cup back up to better herself and those around her. She and Terry spent the last 15 years snow birding to Yuma, Arizona. It was there in the desert sun where she said her final goodbyes to her family.

Candise is survived by her husband Terry, son Justin, grandchildren Maggie and Jude, Brother John, and remaining family and friends that feel blessed to have lived their lives with her in it.