Candace Morgan Hadwen

Candace Morgan Hadwen, 26, passed away unexpectedly from a brief illness in Omaha, Nebraska with her mother close by. Candace came into this world on August 29, 1999 in Springfield, VT, and very quickly became her mother and father's entire world.

Candace was born to Mark Hadwen and Sarah (Smith) Zustra. Her great-grandmother always said Candace would do great things and be a force to reckon with. Candace attended kindergarten in Bellows Falls, grades 1-4 in Springfield, grades 5-8 in Weathersfield, and graduated from Springfield High School (SHS) in 2017. During her childhood she participated in several sports focusing on soccer. She also performed with the SHS dance team and was a member of the Apple Blossom Queen's Court. After school she became a Licensed LNA and worked for various nursing homes and agencies in Vermont and New Hampshire. During her free time, she enjoyed being outdoors whether walking, hiking, or hunting. She loved her time with her Grandpa Hadwen, which led to late night games of Triominos. Her love for her grandfather led to her caring for him in his final months on earth, allowing him to remain living at home in his failing health.

Candace's heart was bigger than her body could hold. She expressed her love to all her family, especially her siblings. She was passionate about being a loving aunt to the children of her many friends, spoiling them with hugs, kisses, and gifts.

Candace is survived by her parents Sarah and Joseph Zustra and Mark and Jennifer Hadwen; siblings Alex and Teagan Palazzo and Avery and Parker Hadwen; stepsiblings Jacob, Samantha, Gabriel, Adrian, and Abby; maternal grandparents Debbie and Kevin Winot and Sidney Smith; maternal great-grandparents Alack Lescord and Margaret Smith; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and step-relatives. She was predeceased by her unborn daughter Delilah Rook Peterson; paternal grandparents Vaughn and Tina Hadwen; maternal great-grandparents Sandra Lescord and Robert Smith; maternal great-uncles Steve and Kenneth Lescord, and Christopher Hewey; Cousin Anne-Marie Smith;

Viewing hours will be Friday, October 17, 2025 from 5-7 pm at Davis Memorial Chapel, 99 Summer Street, Springfield, VT. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 3 pm, at the First Congregational Church, 77 Main Street, Springfield, VT. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Connecticut Valley Recovery Services at 141 Etta Frasier Drive, Windsor, VT 05089.