Candace I. Broucher née Kindra, 68, died on Saturday, May 18, surrounded by her family. A nearly 30-year resident of Beaumont, she supported many area charitable organizations and was active in the local business community. She was president and owner of J&R Services/JTB Recycling, one of only 11 companies in the state licensed by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission TNRCC to collect, filter and dispose of non-hazardous waste. She worked tirelessly to build her company and in recent years became a recognized expert in her field.

A long-time member of the Better Business Bureau, for several years Candace also served as chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's Golden Triangle Small Business Advisory Committee. She also was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, where she worked alongside Rev. Vicki Peters to support members of the congregation who were grieving.

Candace—known also as "Sug," "Sugie" or "Izzy," depending on who was addressing her—was matriarch of a large family that included her six younger siblings, their spouses, 12 nieces and nephews, one great-niece, one great-nephew, and many close cousins. She was caring and funny, with a wicked sense of humor and a flair for the dramatic. Much to the delight of her nieces and nephews, she pulled her younger siblings' hair well into adulthood. She loved the beach, reading a good drugstore paperback, bossing her siblings around, and spoiling her nieces and nephews rotten.

Born in Mount Clemens, Michigan, she began her career as a teacher, before moving into state government in Lansing, Michigan. In 1984, she married James T. Broucher and moved to Beaumont.

She is survived by two sisters, four brothers, and their spouses: Margaret Luchtman Richard, John Kindra Jacqueline, Scott Kindra Julie, Carol Spinweber David, Steve Kindra Martha, and Bill Kindra Jane. Also surviving are her nieces Kelly, Elizabeth, Allison, Caitlin and Maggie; nephews Gregory, Douglas, Spencer, Ryan, Sean, Cameron and Mason; great-niece Grace; and great-nephew Noah.

Her husband Jim preceded her in death, as did her parents, Nancy and John R. Kindra of Traverse City, Michigan.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 23 at the Claybar Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. Family and friends are invited to gather at 10 a.m. at the funeral home to honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Candace's memory to the Salvation Army of Beaumont, 2350 IH-10 East, Beaumont, TX, 77701.