She was born in Pennsylvania to Capt. James Laning (late of the United States Navy), and moved to LaSalle as a child. She taught public school for several years and was one of five female managers at the World Exposition in 1893. She eventually moved to Cairo and joined the Cairo Woman's Club and Library Association. It was from here that she was selected by delegates to preside over the organization. The Isabella Candee Foundation, established by General Federation of Woman's Clubs Illinois in 1987, continues Ms. Candee's legacy to our organization.