Mary Lou Kandel

April 23, 1952 - June 30, 2020

Mary Lou Kandel, 68, passed away June 30, 2020. She was born April 23, 1952 in Sarasota to Maxine (Burchett) Guess and the late Ennis Harris Guess. In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by her infant son. Mary Lou was a life long resident of Sarasota. For many decades she was a member of Bahia Vista Mennonite Church and for the past five years attended Bethel Mennonite Church. She loved cooking, baking, sewing but most of all, spoiling her grandchildren. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 49 years and 10 months, Karl; daughter, Karly Childers, her husband Kelly of Gainesville and their children Sean, Seth, Simon and Sloane; son, Korey Kandel, his wife Kristen of Sarasota and their children Mia and Karina; siblings, Ranelle “Cooky” Brigman and her husband Dale of Brevard, NC; Candace Miller and her husband Sam of Sarasota; Ennis “Cappy” Guess, Jr. and his wife Lyn of Puerto Rico; and Catherine Guess of Brevard, NC. Mary Lou was an incredible woman of faith and lover of life. Her bubbly spirit was infectious. Her light and laughter filled every room she entered. She will forever be remembered for her contagious laugh and welcoming spirit. Caring for others brought her great joy. No matter the act of service, she loved to make others feel important. In her roles as daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother and mimi, she was exemplary. She was a caring daughter, a dependable sister, a loyal friend, a virtuous wife, a model mother and a precious Mimi. Though her heart was ailing most of her life, it never impeded her ability to love, and love she did. She loved big and without restraint. For the multitude of people she loved, she was adored by countless more. To know Mary Lou, ("Lou", "Mom", "Mimi") was to love her. There will be a visitation on Sunday, July 5, 2020 from 3 to 4 pm at the Bethel Mennonite Church. Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Mary Lou Kandel will begin at 4:00. Burial will follow in Bethel Mennonite Cemetery. Please bring a mask and respect social distancing while attending. Arrangements are being handled for the family by Maloney Funeral Home. www.MFHcares.com