Candace "Candy" Carlson-Bolin's Obituary
Candace “Candy” Carlson-Bolin April 11, 1948 – June 15, 2025
We are heartbroken to say goodbye and announce the passing of Candace “Candy” Carlson-Bolin, who died of natural causes on June 15, 2025, at the age of 77.
Born in Akron, Ohio, on April 11, 1948, Candy was the daughter of the late Ethel Louise Carlson and John H. Carlson. She graduated from Garfield High School in 1966 and earned her associate degree from the University of Akron in 1968. While still in college, she began her professional journey at Goodyear as an Executive Secretary. Her path then led her to Bolin Oil Company, where she worked in credit collections and met her future husband, Russell “Russ” C. Bolin II. They were married in August of 1988.
After her time at Bolin Oil, Candy took on a new role as a bus driver for Green Local Schools. In 1998, she and Russ relocated to Florida, where she continued driving for Pinellas County Schools. Her sharp mind and aptitude for numbers were soon recognized, and she transitioned into an Account Clerk position in the Payroll Department, where she worked until her retirement in 2014.
In 2019, Candy and Russ moved into the On Top of the World (OTOW) community, where she participated in several social clubs. She enjoyed playing cards – especially euchre, spades, and hearts – watching movies, and spending time with friends and family during game nights and get-togethers.
Candy is survived by her husband, Russ; her children, Daniel and Andrea Zimbardi; and her siblings, Tim J. Carlson, Linda Reidy, and Kathy Margida. She will also be fondly remembered by nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, as well as close friends and others she connected with throughout her life.
Family and friends are warmly invited to a celebration of life to honor Candy on Friday, August 15th from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Pancho’s Southwestern Grill in Green, Ohio. Please join us to remember her life, share memories, and spend time together at one of Candy’s favorite places.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made either to a charity of your choice or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause that was close to Candy’s heart and one she supported regularly.
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