Dolores "Candi" Ann Packett

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on May 22, 1931, Dolores ‘Candi’ Packett died September 26, 2023, at 92, a brilliant and perceptive lady with a zest for life, a gift for business and a love of family.

Candi was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Jack Packett; her parents, Theresa and Achille DeLuca; her brothers Victor, Ralph, and Anthony; her sisters Angelina Wetterau and Carmella Lee. She is survived by her children: Shirley Myers, Sterling Myers, Jr. (Elsie), Louis A. Brasovan, III (Carol), Saga Stevin (Tim); her grandchildren: Kirbin, Melissa, Ashley, Ashley (Garson), Amy (Oliver); 5 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews—and the countless friends, bridge players, real estate community and neighbors who became family to Candi. (You know who you are!)

And while her story on this side of the bridge is finished, we will cherish the memory of the quiet lady in the big, colorful hat, who believed that every life should be full to overflowing; and led by example.

Candi’s death leaves a giant hole in the hearts of many, and a wide swath of Lakeland that will forever benefit from the wisdom, knowledge, support and humor that she applied liberally to everyone she met. She was the lady who listened because she cared about knowing; the lady with an inexhaustible supply of one-line philosophical answers that fit, and the energy to stand behind her views. And always, she was the lady in the big, colorful hat! (Yes, there was one for every occasion, every outfit, and a few more, just in case!) Candi made them all look exactly right, adorning many with scarves collected from her travels around the world.

If You Think It, You Can Do It.

Pinker, photographer, meat seller, real estate mogul, secret philanthropist, loving mother and grandmother are just some of the careers Dolores ‘Candi’ Packett enjoyed over her 92 years of ¬¬¬¬well-lived life. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on May 22, 1931, to Theresa and Achille DeLuca, Candi was #5 in a family of six children, (which probably influenced her inclination to hit the ground running!). Her goal was to pull every bit of good out of life and then some—which she did.

When the manufacturing boom crashed, taking the job market throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey with it, Candi left her two children with their dad and headed to New York to see what was there. She hired on as a “pinker,” figuring out what that was as she worked (finishing seams!), then bought a camera and worked side jobs as a hotel photographer. By chance she photographed the president of American Kosher Products, who insisted she should be in sales and hired her on the spot. Based in South Florida Candi traveled the Southeast, learned everything about meat, the people who bought it and how to sell more. That enthusiasm kept her moving up, eventually to become a company vice president. Her oldest two children still remember the 5-foot salami she shipped to their door one holiday!

Always an innovator, Candi snagged a spot on the era’s top gameshow, ‘What’s My Line?’. Somehow, they guessed she was in salami, but their huge viewership boosted company sales appreciably—her original goal! She met a Miami gentleman and the couple had two children. When the relationship stopped working, Candi was again on her own. At 30, she had four children, unquenchable optimism, and a determination to make life count. Her response was the same as always. She worked harder.

Enjoy Your Day. Enjoy Your Life

Magic happened in 1963. While working a kosher meat display for regional supermarkets, Candi met Publix buyer Jack Packett. He asked her to dinner—and a Steak ‘n Shake lemon freeze. At the evening’s end, his farewell was short, “Marry me.” Hers was equally succinct, “Are you nuts?” He was definitely serious, and they married three months later!

Candi adopted Jack’s hometown of Lakeland, Florida, while Jack made her family and her children his own, bringing the younger two children to Lakeland and traveling between Pennsylvania and Florida to build a family. Together they laughed, traveled, parented, grand-parented and loved, learning as they went.

Moving into one of the first homes built in Lone Palm in Lakeland, Florida may have introduced Candi to central Florida real estate, but her innate curiosity and business sense let her flourish. After all, she would say, “I had to do something!” She tracked property values, followed market trends, compared area sales, and talked to everyone she met. Buying and selling made sense, and she gained momentum fast. Over the years her knowledge of the area and keen insight, leavened with patience, an eye for detail and unswerving integrity, made her a linchpin in Polk County real estate—repeatedly named Polk County’s top realtor.

Lend a Helping Hand

Her investments in real estate became increasingly about investing in people. She understood the difficulty of getting started firsthand, both in life and business. Over the years she held mortgages for hundreds of folks who needed a boost, and continued to check in to see how they were doing. Young realtors and investors who asked for advice and/or support were never turned away.

Candi didn’t see social status, age, skin color or politics. They didn’t matter. Character and confidence mattered. Being willing to help others mattered. Family mattered. (She also thought Disneyworld was important (she was there when they opened!), along with great hats, chicken salad with extra pickles, roller coasters, chocolate—and friends. Those were a few of this special lady’s favorite things.)

In 1987, local church leader Bishop Walter Laidler called the number on a Lakeland For Sale sign when his church needed space to build and grow. (He still firmly believes that God made sure Candi answered.) Her honest assessment and willingness to listen led the church to a larger, 17-acre parcel perfect for both the sanctuary and school they would grow. The banks were unwilling to assume the risk of a relatively new church. Candi was not.

One Step at a Time

The congregation, including Laidler, responded by calling Candi for personal and business real estate. The Laidlers still laugh to remember the 95+ homes she patiently took them through many years and deals later, with their four small toddlers in tow. From the start they told everyone they knew about Candi Packett and talked with her before putting their hard-earned money into real estate investment. It paid off, and they were hooked. Bishop Laidler talked real estate terms and potential with church members. As they learned, the congregation filled with successful investors, many seeking Candi out for advice and support, right along with many of her fellow realtors, business friends and other clients. Today, several generations of Polk County residents continue to use, share and benefit from the lessons in land value and mortgage investment Candi offered so willingly. For the Laidlers, a single, chance business association forged a strong, forever friendship, and similar stories link this dynamic woman to many.

Candi Packett loved her kids. She adored her grandchildren, willingly listing their numerous achievements with no provocation, and in the next breath pausing to ask about your family, too. A reader, thinker, and listener, Candi quietly lit up every room she entered; she made you glad she was there.

Filling Your Passport Pages is Important

She slowed down only enough to add more travel because, as Candi said, “There are a lot of pages to fill in a passport.” Delighting in new cultures and friends, she traveled from island villas to Venetian palaces, taking children, grandchildren and friends along to share her wonder. At 73 Candi visited China; at 80 she was cruising the seas. In January, at 92, she boarded Epcot’s new Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster—thrilled to have a son and granddaughter soar with her! As her body wore out, Candi (once again) did life her own way. She called close friends to say good-bye, reorganized her legal affairs with care and checked into Hospice One of her last business calls was unsuccessful—the crematory couldn’t pre-schedule her cremation!

So, cheers to you, Candi Packett—Mom, Granny, Aunt, cousin, friend, mentor. You showed us the joy that comes from having the courage to do life one’s own way, full speed ahead, with integrity and determination. You did us proud.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to any of her (or your!) favorite causes would have made her proud. Candi loved to support: Agape Food Bank, Catholic Charities, Christ Community Christian Church, Florida Baptist Children’s Home, Lighthouse Ministries, Salvation Army, Talbot House, VISTE, WEDU and more.