Published in the March 23, 2017 edition
DANVERS — Dorothy M. “Candi” (Hilton) Sieswerda, 70, of Staten Island, New York, and formerly of Malden, passed away peacefully with family at her side at the Kaplan Family Hospice House on Sunday, March 12. Dorothy was born in Boston on August 22, 1946, and was one of three children of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Hughes) Hilton. Raised in East Boston, she attended East Boston High School, and began working at National Car Rental. While at work, she met her best friend and future husband of 51 years, Paul Sieswerda. They were married on November 5, 1965 and settled in Malden to raise a family of two boys. Dorothy, known to all as “Candi,” worked while also embracing life as a hockey mom and serving as the moral compass for her two young sons. She was proud to provide sound ethics and values, and a loving home for her family. After the boys had grown, Candi and Paul moved to Staten Island, New York in 1988. They settled into a new home together, making the best of a new adventure, and Candi assimilated herself into the community and a new job as an office manager in a midtown Manhattan law firm. Born with an open heart and clever wit, Candi’s life was characterized by her outgoing nature, and her ability to make friends. Always sociable, she had a smile and a chat for everyone she met, whether at home in the Bay Street Landing community, or at a conference of Paul’s in Europe. Candi never said no to a party, and was quite often the last to leave. She shared a love for life with friends across the world, and centered her life around good times with good people. Candi was a supportive, loving wife who was happiest spending time with her family. Together, Candi and Paul enjoyed yearly conferences around Europe, but had just as much fun together on smaller excursions around the Northeast. Her support of Paul’s work in the aquarium field went so far as to raise a baby seal in their bathtub at their home in Malden. She cherished being with family for the Christmas season, and stayed strong through illness to see and visit with her grandchildren. Candi will be lovingly remembered for her love of family, friends, and her sound moral guidance for all. Candi was the beloved wife of Paul L. Sieswerda, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Paul J. Sieswerda and his wife Lindsay of Malden; and Jeffrey S. Sieswerda and his wife Jana of Sherborn. She was the dear sister of Maureen Flammia and her husband Anthony of Melrose; and the late Francis Hilton. She was the cherished grandmother of Canon and Emory Sieswerda. She was the caring aunt of Elizabeth Rosato and her husband Thomas of Barrington, Rhode Island. She is also survived by several aunts, cousins, and nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Candi’s life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Saturday, March 18. Gifts in memory of Candi may be made to a charity of your choice. For online tribute or directions, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
