CANDACE D. SWAIN

NEW HAVEN — Candace D. Swain, age 79, died peacefully at the University of Vermont Medical Center on Dec. 19, 2023, of AML (leukemia) surrounded by her loving immediate family members and her devoted partner.

She was a lifelong resident of New Haven, the oldest daughter of Winston Swain and Isabelle Allen, who predeceased her. She was proud of her lineage that connected her directly to the famous Green Mountain boy, Ethan Allen.

Born June 13, 1944, in Burlington, Vt., Candace grew up in New Haven attending Beeman Academy from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1962. She married Charlie Grennan that year and had two sons by him: Jeff and Kevin.

Candace loved books and reading. She consumed two or three volumes a week. Her favorite genre was mysteries. Her love of books led to a career as an assistant librarian, first at New Haven’s local library and then at Middlebury Union High School (1979) and continuing her library work at Middlebury Union Middle School after it was built in the late 1990s. She retired from being a librarian in 2007. In her lifetime, she was also active in many community affairs including: the Ladies Union in New Haven; the UVM Home Extension program; 4-H; and the auxiliary of the New Haven fire department.

Candace had a wide circle of friends who will miss her terribly. She had an outstanding ability to recall people’s names. She knew every student at school by their first name and remembered them long after they had graduated. She made friends easily and was respected by many for her thoughtfulness, kindness and willingness to help others. She was appropriately named, as she had a sweet personality.

Candace is survived by a large extended family. Her first husband, Charlie Grennon, predeceased her in 2020. Her current domestic partner, Bernie Noble, survives her. She has two surviving sons: Jeff Grennon and Kevin Grennon. Jeff and daughter-in-law Debora gave her six grandchildren: James Stafford (married to Allison); Whitney (partnered to Nichole); Hallie (married to Chase Caruso); Charles (married to Michelle); Miles Carlton (predeceased); and Cyrus (married to Kyleigh). Kevin (married to Michelle) gave Candace a 7th grandchild named Sarah (partnered to Tina). In addition, Candace has eleven grandchildren: Evelyn, Maisie, Mackenzie, Callan, Bentley, Lyric, Briar, Austin, Isla, Emerson and Anna. Also surviving Candace is her brother Allen Swain and daughter-in-law Susie, and sister Chrystal and her husband, Clyde. Her nephews Martin Swain, Brian Armell, Jason Armell and nieces Amanda Swain, Cyndi Armell and Becky Arbo survive her as well, along with many other great nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held for her family and close friends in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Haven library and/or the New Haven Historical Society. ◊