Candice A. Jeffress (nee Pierce), age 53, of Chesterton, passed away Saturday, December 8 at VNA Horton Hospice after a long battle with M.S.

She was born on August 4, 1954 in East Chicago, Ind. the daughter of David and Claire (Kolwicz) Pierce. Her father preceded her in death and her mother survives in Portage.

On June 19, 1982 in Portage, she married David A. Jeffress, who surives.

Survivors include, sons, Justin Jeffress, Jared Jeffress, and Joseph Jeffress, all of Chesterton; Claire Pierce of Portage; an aunt, Joan Grembowicz of Portage; brother, Derek Pierce (Sara) of Portage; a sister, Cherie’ (Jerry) Davich of Portage; and nephews, Jordan, Jonah and Jacob Pierce of Portage.

She attended Bishop Noll and graduated from Portage High School in 1972. Candice sold Avon products for many years and was a member of the Avon National Honor Society. She also worked for GTE Telephone from 1973-83, Fay Swafford Fashions for three years and the Indiana Toll Road from 1996-97.

A Mass of Christian Burial, Father Terry Bennis officiating, will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 12, at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Rd., Chesterton.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 11, in the Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the M.S. Society of Indiana. To sign the guest book or leave an online condolence visit www.funeral1.com .

Posted 12/10/2007