Candice "Candy" Mary VanDerHaven

Candice Mary VanDerHaven passed away peacefully, with her family at her side on March 10, 2016 at the age of 66. A proud native Detroiter, born in 1949, Candy was the first of four children of William John Abbey Sr. and Mona Mary (LaCost) Abbey, of whom both predeceased her. Candy is survived by her loving husband of over 30 years, Robert M. Silverman. Candy was predeceased by her sister Mary Ann (Edward) McGowan. Her surviving siblings are Wm. John (Julie) Abbey of Perrysburg, OH and Susan Abbey (Christopher) Green of Calumet, MI. Also surviving is her Daughter Jennifer Ann (Richard) Santia and her three grandchildren, Madison Abbey, Marissa Anne and Peter Anthony Santia of Rochester Hills, MI along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Candy attended St. Michael’s Grade School, Ladywood High School and Schoolcraft College where she earned an Associates degree in Accounting. Shortly after graduation Candy was hired by Ford Motor Company to work as an accountant at the Livonia Transmission Plant. This launched a wonderful career at Ford lasting over 35 years. Candy loved her work at Ford and most importantly she loved the people she worked with during her various assignments. She retired in 2007 from her last assignment at the Ford New Model Programs Development Center in Allen Park, MI. Throughout her life Candy demonstrated a rare ability to connect with people no matter their background, as she shared a love for all people. This was evidenced by the great respect and regard that both UAW and Ford representatives had for her throughout her career. Following her retirement, Candy found great joy in caring for her grandchildren and mentoring them. It was a rare day when she wasn’t loving on them or talking with them about what was important in their daily lives. Her love and bond with her daughter Jen was beautiful and will endure forever. Candy was not a person who sat on the sidelines while others carried the load. She was a “chronic” volunteer ranging from schools, alumni associations, homeowner’s associations, church and charitable organizations. She declared her great satisfaction in serving as the Treasurer of The DOVE Fund which is a nonprofit based in Toledo, OH. She served in the Treasurer capacity along with her brother John and sister-in-law Julie who serve as Trustees on the Board. Her DOVE Family was a cherished part of her life and they will miss her immeasurably. Candy loved to travel, especially with her husband Bob and her extended family. This took her to many places in the US and the world and she especially loved her travels to her sister’s home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as well as Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. In her last days, she was still dreaming of returning with her husband and family to Suenos in Mexico. Candy never stopped dreaming and her goodness was evident in all her dreams. Her aspirations and dreams always centered around helping, doing for others and being a good person. This is demonstrated by the love and affection so many people have for Candy. Never a bad word or unkindness would she speak. Family and friends may visit Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 W. Ann Arbor Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 on Sunday March 13 from 4PM to 8PM and Monday March 14 from 3PM to 8PM, with a Time of Sharing at 7pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 47650 North Territorial Road, Plymouth, MI 48170, 10AM on Tuesday March 15. Memorial contributions, in Candy’s honor, may be made to The Rochester Area Neighborhood House 1234 Inglewood Rochester, MI 48307 ranh.org or to the charity of the donor's choice. To share a memory please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Candice "Candy" Mary VanDerHaven

May 6, 1949 - March 10, 2016