Candice “Toots” Wabasha

Candice “Toots” Wabasha, age 66 of Lower Sioux Indian Community, started her journey unexpectedly Sunday, November 28, 2021 at her home.  An all-night wake service will begin at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at St. Cornelia’s Church Hall on the Lower Sioux Community, until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 2. Interment will be in the St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Cemetery.  

Candice “Toots” Lorraine Wabasha was born January 14, 1955 to Mathew and Cecelia (Goodthunder) Wabasha in St. Paul, Minnesota.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Church.  Candice graduated from Morton High School in 1973 and continued her education at Willmar Vo-Tech for cosmetology.  In 1979, Candice was united in marriage to Rodney Berry.  Together the couple lived at the Lower Sioux, where they raised their daughter Kimberly.  Candice served many leadership roles in the community including Pillar of the Community.  She worked for the first chemical dependency program in the 1980s.  Candice then helped develop the social services program.  For 19 years, Candice was the manager of the blackjack department at Jackpot Junction Casino.  She organized many activities including the walk against violence and children holiday parties.  Candice was crowned the Lower Sioux Kunsi and represented the Lower Sioux at many pow-wows.  She was involved in the ceremonial sweats and Sundance.   To pass the time she enjoyed doing crafts and cooking.  Candice had a heart of gold, a great sense of humor and liked to joke around.  She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her daughter and grandchildren.

Candice is survived by her daughter Kimberly (fiancé Arthur Lockwood) Berry of Lower Sioux; grandchildren: Demetri, Dacia, Davanee, Douglas & Blue; sisters: Rita Goodthunder, Gwen (Jeff) Kodet, Linda Wabasha, Laura Wabasha and Dorothy (Brad) Neis; nieces & nephews: Tammy, Tracy & Andrea, Jesse & Lindsey, Nate, Justice & Winona, Mikey, Joey, Tanya, Sara, Ashley & Thaddeus, Dawn, JJ, and Jason; aunts: Joan Pendleton and Vernell Wabasha; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, infant sister Maria, nephews: Shawn, Corbin & Jarvis, nieces: Dominique, Olivia & Marsha, and uncle Jody Goodthunder.