Cynthia Lynn Candler

Cynthia Lynn (Henderson) Candler, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and writer, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on January 22, 2025, at the age of 74 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on September 13, 1950, in Dallas, Texas, Cynthia grew up with a deep appreciation for learning and service. She graduated from Kimball High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History with a teaching focus from the University of North Texas. Cynthia’s passion for education shaped her life’s work, and she grew into a cherished educator who encouraged her students to think deeply, express themselves through writing and embrace the power of words. She began her career as a preschool teacher at the Presbyterian Church in Terrell before transitioning to middle school education. For 27 years, she inspired students at Furlough Middle School in Terrell with her dedication and compassion. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to education, she was honored as Region 10 Teacher of the Year in 1998. After retiring in 2016, Cynthia continued serving the Terrell community by delivering Meals on Wheels. Cynthia’s life was enriched by her many passions. She loved the beauty of nature, literature, and music, but her true passion was writing. For years, she wrote a weekly column for The Terrell Tribune, sharing her thoughts and reflections in beautifully written words. Her faith was her guiding light, and she frequently reminded others of God’s love and faithfulness. A lover of cats and an advocate for kindness, Cynthia’s compassionate heart touched everyone who knew her. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Cynthia’s legacy will live on through her loving husband, Mike Melugin; her children, Erin (Dave) Oertli, David (Amanda) Candler, Katharine (Cody) Teel, Sean Melugin, and Sarah (Marty) Ontko; her sisters, Janet (Doug) Abbott and Kathy Horton; her 10 beloved grandchildren, many cherished nieces and nephews, and countless former students, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched. A Memorial Service will be held on March 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Terrell. Following the service, there will be a casual reception where guests are welcome to come and go as they please, sharing memories and celebrating Cynthia’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made in Cynthia’s memory to the team ‘ Friends of Cynthia Candler’ with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at: https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?idb=1019554649&df_id=60499&FR_ID=18909&mfc_pref=T&PROXY_ID=940034&60499.donation=form1&PROXY_TYPE=22 Memorial Contributions may also be made in honor of Cynthia at the American National Bank in Terrell, Texas under the name "Friends of Cynthia Candler.

Tributes

Cynthia Lynn Candler

September 13, 1950 - January 22, 2025