Candi Collins, 40, was born Oct. 6, 1983 and passed away on Dec. 12, 2023. She was a life long resident of Orange, Texas. She graduated from West Orange-Stark in 2002, and pursued her Bachelor of Science-Nursing degree from Lamar University. In her last semester to achieve her degree, she fell victim to an almost unknown lung disease which took a year to diagnose. In 2007 she received a double lung transplant. Prior to this, mounting a horse while still in training pants, her life was defined by Horses, Barrel Racing and Rodeo.
Up until contracting the lung disease, she was a force to reckon with at any barrel race, winning many Championship Buckles, Tack and Saddles. Her plans were to work as a nurse for 2 years, live at home and save her money, then hit the road as a Professional Barrel Racer was ruined. But, donning a riding helment, she continued to ride as she recovered, but never on the same level. In 2022, after long term use of her anti-rejection medications, it was discovered she had another rare disease, NK/T Lymphoma, which was very aggressive and has a low rate of successful treatment. And as she did everything in her life, she fought it tooth and toenail enduring chemo and radiation with full support and help of her parents and brother. On December 12th, surrounded by her parents and brother, her soul left her pain racked body to meet her grand parents and cousin. Besides horses, she enjoyed soccer, hunting and fishing and was said by her father to be the best help he had in the hay field, as she was happy to do anything to do with her horses. She is preceded in her transition to Heaven by her Grand Parents Neal and Lorraine Shay, and Guy Collins Sr and Anne Charlotte Collins. Uncles David Shay and Mark Shay, Cousin Mike Collins. Those left to cherish her courageous fight of transplant and cancer, and equine achievements are her parents Bridgette and Chick Collins and brother Chase Collins. Aunts and Uncles Fred and Cindy Collins, Guy and Bonnie Collins Jr., Cousins Jeff Collins, Sherry Gauthier, Rachel Brush, Misty Shay Payne, Mark Shay Jr, Jayden Shay, Chad Shay and David Shay Jr., Peyton Collins, Hunter Gauthier and Silas Brush.
Candi did not want a funeral or service, and her family are honoring her wishes.
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