Mary Ann Sweet's Obituary
Mary Ann Sweet, age 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in Muskegon, MI. She was born on May 23, 1940 in Frankfort, MI to Willard and Anna (Backes) Straubel.
Mary Ann was a devoted member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for 44 years before later joining St. Michael’s Parish in Muskegon. During her many years at Our Lady of Grace, she was actively involved in RCIA, the Ladies Guild, and faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound, a role that brought her tremendous joy. Her ministry extended to being a friend to the poor and to those who were marginalized and overlooked. She generously volunteered with Love INC for many years and served on the board for Kelly Catholic Center.
On April 18, 1964 she married Ronald Lee Sweet at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Frankfort, MI. They celebrated 61 years of marriage together last year. Mary Ann cherished being a homemaker and a mother…not only to her own family, but to many children in the neighborhood, where she became known as the “neighborhood mom.” She had beautiful handwriting: textbook Palmer Method cursive. She faithfully sent cards to family and friends—birthdays, Easter, Christmas, Halloween, you name it; any excuse to send a card with a handwritten note. Her grandchildren always looked forward to the 2$ bill she tucked inside…it was her thing.
Ron survives her along with their four children: son, Ronald J. Sweet; son, Michael (Rhonda) Sweet and their children Noah (Samantha) Sweet, Lydia Sweet, Caleb Sweet, Grace Sweet, Piper Sweet, Cassidy, Shelby, and Delaney; daughter, Kathryn (W. Sloan) Snyder and their son, Nelson Soggs; daughter, Anne (Norman Jr) Cunningham and their children, Christian (Samantha) VanVelzen, Alaina VanVelzen, Levi Wright, and Lee Cunningham; also by four great-grandchildren, Berrett, Charlotte, Maverick, and Logan; and six bonus great-grandchildren.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and older siblings, including seven brothers and one sister.
VISITATION with the family will be 5-7:00 PM Thursday, February 19, 2026 at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 (231-726-5210).
The MASS of CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church (1716 Sixth St., Muskegon, MI 49442).
Memorial Contributions in Mary Ann’s name can be made to Covenant House.
Share memories with the family online at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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