A light in our lives, Cassandra Inez Garcia (Candi), passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 50 years old. Though her life ended far too soon, Candi is leaving behind a bright legacy of laughter, warmth, and generosity.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 17, 1974, to parents Beatriz and Frank Garcia, Candi lived her life with an infectious energy, always the life of the party, smiling no matter what she was facing, and finding a way to make others feel seen and cared for. She had a gift for capturing life's moments through countless photos, preserving memories as beautifully as she created them. Beneath her joyful spirit was an extraordinary strength and resilience, shaped by all she had endured, yet never dimming the light she shared so freely with those around her.

Candi graduated from Metropolitan Advanced Technical High School and later pursued her passion for cooking by completing a culinary program at the Guadalupe Center. She found immense joy in bringing people together around food, and cooking was more than a hobby, it was one of the many ways she expressed her love. Music and dancing were also central to her spirit. At family gatherings, she could often be found busting a move or grabbing an imaginary microphone to sing along, filling the room with laughter and energy. Her spirit was contagious, filling every gathering with laughter and fun.

Always happiest when she was out of the house and on the move, Candi loved exploring new places, staying active, and spending time with the people she held dear. Her lively personality, giving heart, and ability to brighten any moment will be profoundly missed.

The loss of her beloved son, Christopher DePeralta, four years ago left a profound ache, and in the years that followed, her days were often heavy with grief. Even as her health declined, Candi faced each challenge with quiet courage and continued to share her love, laughter, and generosity with those around her. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit remained a beacon to all who knew her, a testament to the depth of her heart.

Candi is survived by her son, Joeseph Garcia; father, Frank Garcia; siblings: Jennifer Reuscher and her husband, Shawn Reuscher, and Francine Garcia; grandchildren: Joeseph Garcia Jr., Aleigha Garcia, Liliana Garcia, and Selena DePeralta; very close cousins: Antoinette Stennis, and her husband Lemont Stennis, Ponciano Garcia, and Nikki Carrillo; nieces and nephews: Elicia Caruthers and her husband, Nicholas Caruthers, Sophia Reuscher, Josephine Garcia, Jesse Garcia, and great niece Maya Caruthers. Along with countless other family and friends who cherished her deeply.

Candi is now reunited in spirit with her son, Christopher DePeralta; mother, Beatriz Garcia; aunt, Guadalupe Huerta; uncle, Anthony Garcia; and cousin, Marc Garcia. She can now laugh, dance, and celebrate alongside them once more and watch over us all.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Passantino Bros Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64124. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Candi are welcome to attend and celebrate her beautiful life. We welcome all cards, flowers, and donations.