HOLLISTON: Candi L. Pennett, age 48, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends at her home in Holliston on October 18, 2015. She bore full body paralysis, the result of a swimming pool accident thirteen years ago. Candi remained consistently positive in her outlook throughout her life and shared that gift with those around her. Her adored daughter, Brianna L. Alvarez, "Candigramz" grandson, Tristan, and her trusted friend and caregiver, Reggie De Oliveira of Ashland, completed her always-busy household. Her siblings, extended family, and friends remained devoted to her and her care these many years.
Born in Natick, she was the youngest of the eleven children of the late Lawrence R. Pennett and Gertrude E. Pennett-Smith. Candi moved to Bellingham while young, living with her mother and stepfather, Richard Smith. She was a 1985 graduate of Bellingham High School and was initially employed as a secretary at her brother’s business, the Carpet Care Company.
Candi married Fernando Alvarez of Somerville and after Brianna was born stayed at home with her. Later divorced Candi gradually started back into secretarial work through several area part time positions prior to working with Estes Express in Framingham. A very social and outgoing person with a biting sense of humor, Candi loved to have friends and family sit with her, particularly outdoors on a sunny day. She was a die hard Patriots Fan who was over the top about their Super Bowl wins. Warm and free with her affection, Candi was easy going and very much a free spirit whose spirit is now truly free.
Predeceased by her brothers James and Jon Pennett, she is survived by siblings Anne Thompson and her husband Kenneth of Bellingham, Lawrence R. Pennett, Jr, of Florida, Coralee Money and her husband Dale of Ohio, Norman Pennett and his wife Kim of Hopedale, Jeffrey Pennett and his wife Cathy of Florida, Steven Pennett of Florida, Judy Donnelly and her husband John of Woburn, and Richard Pennett of Southborough; a sister-in-law, Lisa Pennett of Florida; her step-family, Richard Smith of Florida, and Edward, Thomas, and Shirley Smith, all of New Hampshire; many nieces and nephews and their families; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick, on Friday, October 23rd at 12:00PM. Burial will follow in Dell Park Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Thursday, 4 - 7PM. Donations may be made in her memory to her daughter and grandson Tristan at the Alvarez Family Fund, c/o Northern Bank and Trust, 303 Main Street. Woburn, MA 01801.