Carmela Carfora Colling, (1955 - 2020) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Carmela be with us forever.

Services:
A video of the service can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/gyUpZ6iEAyo?t=765

Candy was a founding member of the Oasis Food Pantry. To make a donation, please visit: https://www.oasisphx.com/candy/

About Carmela Colling

She was born June 26, 1955 in Brooklyn, New York to Joseph and Josephine Carfora. Candy was the youngest of 3 children.

Candy was an animal lover, ocean dweller, dancer and cheerleader. Candy married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Peter Colling, in October 1976. Candy and Peter enjoyed 45 years of marriage filled with love, best friendship and encouragement.

Candy lived a life full of happiness, love for all she encountered and walked with Jesus Christ in her heart with every step she took. Candy's family was her life's work and she treated every relationship as a treasure. She will be remembered for her incredible smile and kindness.

Candy was a life-long educator and administrator of love. As a wonderful homemaker, educator, charitable contributor and visionary for the Oasis Community Church Food Pantry, Candy took pride in offering kindness, strength and love in all things she touched.

To her loved ones, Candy was the best teacher, nurse, mentor, mediator, friend, mother, wife and Nana. An angel on Earth and light in many lives she touched.

Her life was a living example of 1 John 4:7: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Candy is survived by her husband, Peter, brothers, Joe and Santo, sons, Craig and Brian, daughter-in-laws, Asia and Maria and grandchildren Jack, Hudson, Dylan, Audriana and Marina. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

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November 11, 2023

Happy Heavenly birthday Candy/ aka Carmuda. This will make you chuckle since I don't think anyone else knew I referred to you with my endearing Carmuda. Hardly a day goes by that you don't enter in to my thoughts. We had so many great times. You were the best. Lots of love coming your way.

June 26, 2023

As the Billy Joel song laments; "Only the Good Die Young". You were a Terrific Sister to Santo & me, Spouse to Peter, Mother to Craig & Brian, Grandmother to Jack, Dylan, Hudson, Audriana & Marina, plus a Good Friend to many, a Very Loving & Giving soul!! You would be 68 today; 3 years since you left us, but we all know you are looking over us in Heaven!

June 26, 2023

Happy Heavenly Birthday dear sister. I can't count the number of times I pick up the phone and think of calling you. I miss you dearly. You are in my heart and will be forever missed. Your spirit is alive in so many of us. I know you know how much you are loved. Thank you for all the special memories.
Love you forever...Santo

June 26, 2022

Happy Heavenly Birthday Mama! We love and miss you so much! Save me a seat next to you, where my heart will forever be.

November 12, 2021

Mom, a year without you has been a year too long. We love and miss you so much and are thankful for the everlasting impact you left on us all. You were the best mother I could have ever asked for. I am sad you left us too soon. The Grandkids love and miss you so much. Craig continues to make you proud not just by his motivation and success but by the father, husband, brother, son, and leader he is. I love you, Mom. Forever and Ever.

November 11, 2021

Dear Candy, On this 1st Anniversary since God took you to Heaven, we want you to know how much we will Always Love You!! As the baby sister to me & Santo, you were swept away from all of us, much too soon. However, we take comfort in knowing you are smiling down upon us, still keeping up with your entire family and especially your five wonderful grandchildren. You were the glue that kept our family together, but you are also missed by everyone who enjoyed your friendship. Still Love You to Pieces, Your Brother Joe

June 26, 2021

Dear Mary, I never heard this wonderful memory of Candy until now, on the occasion of her 66th Birthday today! Thank you so much for sharing it with all who visit this site today. With Love, Joe

November 30, 2020

Candy was like a second mother to myself and my older sister Reanna. We’ve had so many good memories growing up together looking back over the years. I’m grateful our parents crossed passed living on the same street when we were little. One of my favorite memories was our Christmas exchange tradition as we grew up. Both Candy and Peter were examples that friends can be like family. Candy always welcomed us with a hug and a big smile and Peter with a kiss on the cheek and a big squeeze. Candy loved us like her own, always showing up no matter what season of life we were in. When I had my first son, she had a beautiful quilt done with his name and birth stats on it. Something I’ll treasure forever.

Her love for God and people were evident. She was a true example of Gods servant. She will be missed dearly. Without a doubt, I know is she rejoicing with our Heavenly Father. She will always be in my heart and an example of what unconditional love looks like. We love you Candy, see you soon!

November 23, 2020

I am so blessed to have known Candy. I met Candy when I first moved to Arizona in 2014 when I attended Oasis Community Church for the first time. At the end of the service, they mentioned there would be a pantry meeting for anyone interested in serving. I had always wanted to serve, so I thought I should do it; even though I did not know anyone. I was greeted by so many amazing women. Candy was one of them. She was so kind and her smile was so welcoming. I got to know her and I got to love her. We had a lot in common.... we were both from the East coast (NY/NJ), we both married our high school sweethearts, and we both had two boys. Candy loved God, she loved life, and she loved people! Candy loved her family so much and she loved talking about them! She spoke so kindly of Peter, she loved and adored him as she did her boys, daughter-in-laws (daughters), and grandchildren. Brian and Craig, I think you kept your mom on her toes. You have grown into such fine young men (Candy and Peter did a great job). My boys are 17 and 19, so Candy's stories gave me hope that boys still have a chance to grow into fine young men. I loved our girl night's out with JoAnne and the parties she/I attended. I will miss Candy. I love the beautiful memories I have of her and I will keep her forever in my heart. She was definitely and angel on this earth and is one in Heaven with God, watching over her family whom she loved with her whole heart.

November 20, 2020

I met Candy about 40 years ago when we both moved to Phoenix and lived in a temporary apt situation until we both eventually purchased homes, only a few miles apart. . We spent that very hot summer by the pool with her 2 boys and my 2 girls who remain friends. Brian disappeared for about an hour....of course we found him but that made for a great tale! Stressful Mom moment!! Though miles and life separated us, we remained friends. Candy was one of my friends who reached out to me recently when my husband passed away.....a Wonderful friend who will never be forgotten. Love to all the Collings and may Candy rest in peace.

November 20, 2020

Words cannot express the loss we feel. We first met Candy and Peter through mutual friends and have been friends for over 20 years from that day. Candy was a person who you gravitated to so easily. She always made you feel like you were friends forever. We will always treasure the memories of the friendship we all shared. Her love for her friends and family that she showed each and every day will forever be an inspiration. We will miss you tremendously pretty lady. Your love and kindness will not be forgotten. You have blessed every life you came in contact with. Love you forever. Until we meet again.
Brenda and Gary Hallam

November 20, 2020

My memories of Candy are mainly from playing bunco! I met Candy through my parents' friend group. I am so grateful for our bunco group. Candy was the most loving, kind, and caring person. She always asked how my kids were doing and she delighted in hearing about the world of education. I cherish the memories I have with her. It was so apparent how important family was to her. Her smile and positive energy will forever stay with me in my memories of her. She was a truly special woman. I am so lucky to have known her for so many years. My parents have the most amazing friend group, and through that friend group I have been so lucky to establish friendships with Candy and the other women who are all like family to me. Bunco will never be the same without her, but she will forever be with us in memory.

November 19, 2020

I remember the first time I ate dinner at your house. I don't remember how old Brian and I were. The silverware was lightly scratched as silverware gets when you use it and wash it. Becuase my parents were/are insane our silverware was never scratched. I thought your forks were dirty that night and I didn't want to eat. Lol. I can't believe I have never forgotten that. :)

I can't believe you're gone. How did I grow up so fast? Brian and I are the same age you were that night I ate dinner at your house. I have nothing but smiles and love when I think about you. You will be forever missed Mrs. Colling. <3 I will always keep you in my heart.

November 19, 2020

Candy & I first met when she and Pete lived on Buckner Avenue in Hicksville over 40 years ago. A mutual friend had a “Girls Night” that we both attended, and our everlasting friendship began.
Candy and I could go long periods of time without speaking and yet never questioned our friendship. It was always like we just spoke yesterday regardless of how much time had passed. We understood that life was busy, and no matter the distance between us love was always there. She was my best friend.
I will always miss you being in my life. You are forever in my heart and those memories of you will always bring a smile to my face. I often see the numbers 11-11 and now I know your spiritual being is with me and you are my guardian angel, my everlasting friend.
Love you, Jo.

November 17, 2020

Candy and Peter, I cannot find words to express how blessed I feel that you have both touched my life in such a significant way. We go back to high school. As I told Peter today, as individuals, you are both amazing, but together...you are just incredible. Candy had a generosity of spirit and Grace like no one I have ever known. Tom and I are mourning the loss of our dear friend and celebrating the fact that we loved and were loved by her. Peter, may you and the kids and grandkids find peace in the knowledge that Candy is in heaven and that you will all be reunited one day. Candy will shine upon you always and live within all those who knew her. We love you, Debbi and Tom Coonerty

November 17, 2020

In our younger years my sister, Joanne, and I spent almost every weekend at our grandparents home. Candy insisted that she wanted to spend a Saturday night with us at grandpa and grandma's house. Before her mom and dad left they asked her if she was sure that she wanted to stay and Candy said yes I want to spend the night with my cousins and grandparents. So Aunt Josie and Uncle Joe left to go home to Hicksville and Candy stayed with us in Brooklyn. After a few hours when the three of us settled down in the Castro convertible, we heard sniffle...sniffle and we asked her what was the matter and she let out a big cry and said "I WANT MY MOMMY". She was crying uncontrollably and grandpa and grandma called Aunt Josie and Uncle Joe to come get Candy.

I will also never forget her annual Christmas Cards that she would send with pictures of her family. A few times she came to NY with Peter, her mom and dad, and with her brother Santo to visit the New York relatives and we enjoyed seeing them.

Candy the love you shared with your husband, sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren is so beautiful. I admire each and every one of you. Rest in Peace my baby cousin and you will always be part of the 3 Albanese girls.

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Her Life

November 17, 2020

Carmela "Candy" Jane Colling was born June 26, 1955 in Brooklyn, New York to Joseph and Josephine Carfora. Candy wa the youngest of 3 children.

Candy was an animal lover, ocean dweller, dancer and cheerleader. Candy married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Peter Colling, in October 1976. Candy and Peter enjoyed 45 years of marriage filled with love, best friendship and encouragement.

Candy lived a life full of happiness, love for all she encountered and walked with Jesus Christ in her heart with every step she took. Candy's family was her life's work and she treated every relationship as a treasure. She will be remembered for her incredible smile and kindness.

Candy was a life-long educator and administrator of love. As a wonderful homemaker, educator, charitable contributor and visionary for the Oasis Community Church Food Pantry, Candy took pride in offering kindness, strength and love in all things she touched.
To her loved ones, Candy was the best teacher, nurse, mentor, mediator, friend, mother, wife and Nana. An angel on Earth and light in many lives she touched.

Her life was a living example of 1 John 4:7: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Giver of Love

January 2, 2021

Mom,

You always were a giver of love. The stories shared with me throughout your life and what I always witnessed was you simply giving love where it was most needed. The person who was new, you would be the first to greet them, introduce them to everyone and make them feel welcome. Your happiness was found in the happiness of those you loved and cared about. You were simply an amazing listener, and a giver of love. In the meals you cooked, the gifts you gave, all the special memories you created, the vacations we took, with your parents, your pets, your family and friends, you just loved giving love in so many ways. You made everyone feel special. Growing up, I’ll always remember we shared our love for pets especially birds. From parakeets to cockatiels, we loved our birds. Craig and Dad thought we were nuts. But we loved animals so much. We loved caring for them like we do people. I’ll never forget when you and I drove all over town looking for a cockatoo that I wanted for years. And as crazy as that huge birds would have been, since I wanted it for so long, you were going to let me get one. And it was only after I was closer to becoming a teenager that I decided not to get the hugest bird possible that would love for 50+ years, but you would have let me, because you just always wanted me to be happy. You were simply a giver of love. You loved me so much. And we loved you so much. We had it all. We did it all. You were the best Mom. Life sure went fast. I wouldn’t change much but I’d sure like to do it again. I miss you Mom. I love you so much forever and ever in this life and the next. Save me a seat at the table next to you please. Audriana can sit on my lap as she’ll want the seat next to you as well. I love you Mommy.

Love,

Brian

Letter from Adrienne

November 21, 2020

Dear Candy,
They say that friendship is a combination of loyalty, respect, love and trust. True friendship is when someone knows you better than you know yourself. This was our friendship. I remember when we first met those 35 years ago. We both moved into a brand new development. You were walking Brian, Mr. B as I later called him, in his little red wagon when you stopped to talk with me in my driveway. You and your beautiful smile. We had an instant connection . Could it have been because we were both from NY, both Italian, born within 6 months of each other to the day, and even got married in the same wedding venue in Massapequa or that we both just needed a friend. Whatever or however, it was meant to be and that day was the beginning of a wonderful relationship. When I think of you I'm reminded of all that we've endured together as compadres through these years. We shared challenges and triumphs, laughter and tears as we maneuvered through life's journey.

So many things come to mind as I think of you, Candy. Cheering our kids on at little league games, raising our boys as we were raised with love, respect and a strong sense of family, faith and tradition. Some of those school days were tough but we were there for each other through it all. We became Grandmas together so proud of our sons becoming wonderful daddies. We shared recipes and holiday menus, shopping tips, fears and dreams each one of us listening, encouraging and offering sound advice.

You were someone I could tell my personal problems and thoughts to without judgment And many here can attest to the fun parties you and Peter planned. Always welcoming everyone into your home. with big smiles and hugs! You were the hostess with the moistest! Our bond grew even stronger when we were given the task of taking care of our aging parents. Now that was challenging!! I remember the two of us searching for an assisted living home for them and comparing notes. We then wound up putting the 4 of them in a place together! You treated your parents like royalty and did it with such grace. I am so happy I had you to commiserate with during those years. We've had countless lunches together with Karen and dinners with the guys. Our girl time was Always fun, letting our hair down and just talking about whatever came up. We were the three Amigos and thought we were solving the problems of the world. I'm going to miss those lunches but Karen and I will carry on as best we can and toast to you each time. The trying times with your illness were plenty. But you always showed such bravery and optimism. You were always a strong self advocate and stood firm on your health decisions as you were faced with some very difficult ones. As the song says, You did it YOUR way. You are probably one of the most courageous people I've known. Even when you weren't feeling well, you hid it well and did what you had to do and more. Talk about sheer determination! You were tiny but mighty! Don't mess with Candy!

Candy you and Peter raised two compassionate, smart and respectful young men. Wonderful sons, loving husbands and devoted dads. You led by example You both showered them with love and light always instilling in them a true sense of family for that's what truly matters. The boys will carry on your legacy and continue to make you proud. You have an insurmountable number of friends who love you dearly. Just look around! Anyone who met you knew right away that you were special. You were always generous of heart and spirit. I can't imagine not talking to you. We've talked several times a week to the point when our kids were small, they would moan and groan because we'd be on the phone for a long time! I've shared my most personal thoughts with you and you were always there to listen, advise and encourage. Who will be my confidante now? Our lives took different paths but you and I always remained close, never an unkind word between us. You were always there to wipe my tears, laugh at silly things, give me wisdom and share your faith. We had a profound friendship that I feel so blessed to have had. You've touched the lives of so many and had a wonderful life filled with love and happiness. I will remember you always and miss you like crazy. Rest with the angels now my dear Candy, be at peace. I will cherish the memories and am forever grateful you were my best friend, I love you.

Adrienne

A beautiful woman and person

November 20, 2020

Since High School Candy was known as the nicest, sweetest girl.
Candy had an instinct about people and a sensitivity to them .
Even without knowing what was wrong she would sense something was wrong and someone needed cheering up !!

Her and Peter complimented each other as people . They were just caring and nice “kids”

it is a sad and tragedy that Candy left you. Guys too early . I know she is an angel up with Jesus . I am sure you will feel her close by each of you , especially at times when grief has its way with your hearts.
May your strong faith in Jesus Christ get you through this trial .

Love
Ronnie

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