GUNDULA MCCANDLESS

Gundula Hinze McCandless, the light of her family, passed away Apr. 18, but she will live on in the hearts of her loved ones. Gundi was born to Otto and Gertrude Hinze in 1931 and grew up in Gardelegen, East Germany. She graduated from nursing school in Dessau. With some difficulty, she managed to escape to West Germany and was employed at a hospital in Hamburg.

She joined an adventurous group of German nurses and came to Galveston to work at the John Sealy Hospital. There she worked in a Pediatric ward caring for burn children. During this time, she met and subsequently married a medical student, Bob McCandless. The ensuing years were spent in Iowa City while her husband completed an internship and radiology residency. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters; Edda, Tracy, and Claire.

On returning to Texas, they settled in Houston, where they raised their family. Gundi went on to become an accomplished tennis player at the championship level at Houston Racquet Club. When she was no longer able to play tennis, she spent more time gardening as a master gardener. As a lifelong art aficiona do, she was a dedicated art student and astute collector – “art is for the soul.”

Her family was always first and foremost. She was a devoted, caring, and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She welcomed son-in-law’s Paul and Bruce, and later, grandchildren Haley, Erin, AJ, Tessa, and Sofija were her pride and joy.

As they now say goodbye, let it be known that Gundi was the heroine of her family, their inspiration, and their role model on how to live life. She enriched their lives beyond measure and her indomitable spirit will never die.

It is finished. God Bless Gundi.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com