Cynthia Hoch "Candy" Wasser

Cynthia "Candy" Hoch Wasser

May 11th, 1956-May 4th, 2023

Cynthia "Candy" Hoch Wasser of Ottawa, KS died on Thursday, May 4th, 2023.

Candy was born on May 11th, 1956, to Philip E. and Roslyn G. Hoch of Wichita, KS. She grew up in Wichita and moved to Manhattan in 1974 to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Design and Marketing at Kansas State University. It was while living in Manhattan that a flat tire on a bicycle took her to a gas service station where she met Scott.

She married Scott on June 17th, 1978. They lived in Overland Park and later Ottawa, having four children: Christopher, twins Nicholas and Katie, and Emily. Their 1867 Victorian home on Elm was a project they shared for the better part of 30 years.

While she cared for her children and their home, she also took on a variety of roles within the community. She was a leader in La Leche League, visiting and supporting new mothers and their babies. She sang in the choir at Westminster Presbyterian and volunteered at the Old Depot Museum. At the same time, she worked as a cosmetic department head at Hall's Crown Center, a newspaper carrier for the Ottawa Herald, and eventually worked for Turner Flowers and Country store, a position she held for 13 years.

She was known for her kindness, warmth, and a cheerfulness she carried no matter the circumstances. Candy's greatest joy and delight was in her family. Known as Nonna to her grandchildren, she was quick to laugh and enthusiastic in every activity, whether investigating the many critters in the garden, building the tallest Lego tower, or breaking out into her favorite songs. She loved life, believed in joyful noise, and saw endless possibilities in every little thing.

Candy was preceded in death by her son, Christopher, and her parents Philip and Roslyn. She is survived by her husband, Scott, her children Nick (and Brianna Wasser), Katie (and Jake West), and Emily (and Seth Gibby), her five grandchildren, Henry and Evelyn Wasser, Penelope West, Rose and Addisen Gibby, and her sister, Elaine Neudorfer (and Charles Neudorfer).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 17th at 1:00 p.m., First Baptist Church, Ottawa, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Franklin County Historical Society c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St., Ottawa, KS 66067