Claire "Candy" Catherine Hargett

Claire Catherine “Candy” Hargett, beloved mother, sister, grandmother (Gigi), and friend, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, in Hoover, Alabama, at the age of 80. Born on September 23, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, Candy was raised in Baltimore and Ellicott City by her parents, Albert and Claire Kiersarsky. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Albert Kiersarsky, and her husband of 57 years, Durwood “Woody” Hargett.

Candy attended the University of Maryland before marrying Woody on August 6, 1966. Just one week after their wedding, the couple embarked on an overseas journey to England as part of Woody’s work with the National Security Agency. Candy soon began her own distinguished career with the NSA, where she served for over 30 years. Their careers took them across the globe—from Maryland to Germany and back—before settling in Huntsville, Alabama, for retirement.

In retirement, Candy embraced her passion for painting. A gifted artist, she created works ranging from still life and landscapes to whimsical depictions of roosters and ladybugs enjoying watermelon. She was an avid reader who could always be found with a book in hand or nearby. Candy was also a fantastic cook, with her Maryland crabcakes, Lithuanian “Kristy” cookies, Christmas Day lasagna, and signature “Gigi scrambled eggs” being among her specialties.

Candy is survived by her daughter Jennifer Cherry (Jonathan), her sisters Sharon Cremen and Carole Broczkowski (Ed), and her grandchildren Cailyn, Jacob, and Cowen Cherry. She also leaves behind her lifelong best friend, Judy (Larry) Yolken, as well as nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Though fiercely private, Candy’s love for her family and friends was boundless. She was a devoted mother, sister, and Gigi whose memory will be cherished forever. May her legacy bring comfort to all who loved her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 24th at 11:00 AM at the chapel at the Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City, Maryland with burial to follow at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens, Marriottsville, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations kindly be made to the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge, 1104 Ireland Way, Birmingham, AL 35205.