Obituary of Candace Peters

Sedona has lost a beloved Friend, Sister, Mother and Visionary. Legally named Candace Elizabeth JEWEL Plumb Peterson-Cecil, she was indeed a jewel to those who knew her, and as multifaceted in nature as her various names. Her heart was golden, her smile enchanting and her embraces as warm as the Red Rock Cliffs in the afterglow of Sedona sunsets. When she was happy, everyone was happy…and if she liked you, you were family to her. She was our version of Auntie Mame, Liza Minelli, Madonna and Marilyn Monroe, all blended into one amazingly talented, bright and quick-witted, passionate lover of all things good…particularly wholesome, gourmet food, and serving it with generous amounts of love and laughter. Known best by her Secret Garden Restaurant in Tlaquepaque (inspired by the classic storybook she loved), she also created the Raw Café that became Chocolatree, and both the Sedona Grill & Bar and Samba! Café that eventually became Dahl & Diluca Restaurante Italiano…and long-lasting friendships with owner Lisa Dahl and anyone fortunate enough to dine at any of her establishments often enough to get to know her. She was ahead of her time, and she will be very sorely missed. She is survived by son Christian Peterson, husband James Cecil and stepsons Cameron and Seth Cecil, sister Kat Bramblett (Bruce), aunt Jewel Plumb, sisters-in-law Mana Holtz and Jeannie Raukar, nieces Stacy Plumb King (Chris), Dana Plumb, Jennifer Bramblett, nephews Bryan Plumb (Rachel), Justin Bramblett, and grandchild, Liam Cecil. Those wishing to make donations are requested to do so to the savings account of Christian Peterson at Chase Bank. There will be a celebration of her life Sunday, July 14 at 2 pm at the Sedona United Methodist Church, 110 Indian Cliffs Dr. 86336