Mary “Candy” (Souza) Drayton, 74, of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at home after an extended period of declining health. Candy remained in her home under the care of her husband, Charles P. Drayton Sr., her caregiver Rosie, and her daughter, Sheri. Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late John S. and Mary P. (Perry) Souza, she had resided in Rochester for over 40 years.
She had attended the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston.
Throughout her life Candy worked in retail, as a banquet coordinator at Hawthorne Country Club, and previously in real estate. She was also a talented, self-employed scrimshaw artist.
Amongst her many interests, Candy enjoyed traveling. She was fond of cruises and taking road trips in their RV throughout the United States. At home Candy was an excellent cook. Taking pleasure in sewing, crafts, and art; she shared her skills with grandchildren and friends. Some of her favorite times were spent with her grandchildren, her dogs, gardening, and relaxing watching the birds in the back yard.
Surviving in addition to her husband are her children, Vincent Lovegrove Jr. and wife Cynthia Naples of Marion, Sheri Lovegrove and husband Nathan Patnaude of Marion; her step-children, Charles P. Drayton Jr. and companion Michelle Silva, Dawn and husband Michael Tremblay, and Darren Drayton and companion Jennifer Gillon all of New Bedford; her brother, John Souza Jr. and wife Cassandra of Georgia; her sister, Linda Martino and husband William of Wisconsin; eight grandchildren, Owen, Scarlet, Elijah, Tallulah, Breanne, Ashley, Bryce, and Brayelle; her West highland Terrier, Alex, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her Memorial Service will be held on January 12th, 2019 at the Christian Fellowship Center on 822 Church St. New Bedford, MA at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. For online tributes please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com
