Joanne Sweetman's Obituary
Joanne (Van Kley) Sweetman, age 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 31, 2014. Joanne was born on January 18, 1937 in Roseland, IL to Jacob and Dora Van Kley. A graduate of Chicago Christian High School, Joanne earned a teaching degree from Calvin College in 1958. She went on to teach at Christian schools in Holland, MI, Ripon, CA, and Paterson, NJ.
On March 25, 1967, she married Andrew Sweetman who preceded her in death in 1993. Joanne is lovingly remembered by her children: Drew (Rebecca) Sweetman, Jody (Ed) McGlinchey, and Brian (Jessica) Sweetman; as well as her 10 grandchildren: Josh (Samantha), Anna, Leah, Abby, and Justina Sweetman; Eliana, Lillian, Nathan, and Emily McGlinchey; and Leland Sweetman. Joanne was preceded in death by her sister and brother and their spouses: Margaret (Richard) Speelman and Harold (Helen Priscilla) Van Kley.
Joanne was a former member of 1st CRC in Haledon, NJ where she was active in the choir and of Peace CRC in South Holland, IL where she was active in the GEMS ministry. She was most recently a member at Princeton CRC in Kentwood, MI where she was active in Coffee Break.
Family and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, November 4 from 6-8 pm at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake and on Wednesday, November 5 from 6-8 pm at Princeton CRC in Kentwood. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 6 at 11 AM at Princeton CRC with Rev. David Poolman officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to GEMS Girls Clubs, 1333 Alger Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. A visitation will also be held at Peace CRC, 833 E 168th Street, South Holland, IL on Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 1-3 PM. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Spring Lake.
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