Mary E. Sweeney

Mary E. Sweeney, 96, of Mt. Pleasant died Saturday, May 14, 2005 at her home. In accordance with Marys wishes, a private family memorial was held at St. Marys Chapel on the campus of Central Michigan University. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Michigan. Envelopes are available at Lux Funeral Home. Mary was born March 9, 1909, in South Bend, IN, the daughter of Ralph and Inez (Heeck) Hoover. She married the late Lawrence M. (Doc) Sweeney on December 9, 1931. They moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1940, and in 1941 Mary became Mt. Pleasants City Recreation Director, a position she held until 1973. Mary earned a B.S. and an M.A. degree from Central Michigan University. She was a talented seamstress, an enthusiastic sports fan and an avid reader. Mary is survived by three children and their spouses, Michael and Bonnie Sweeney of Mt. Pleasant, Elizabeth and Mike Howard of Deerfield Beach, Fl, and Margaret and Bob Skinner of Bay City; seven grandchildren, Larry (Dawn) Sweeney, Ellen (Martin) Main, Michael (Tara) Howard, Mary (Michael) Cirks, Laura Howard, Robert (Ellen) Skinner and Elizabeth (Dean Postma) Skinner. Mary also leaves nine great-grandchildren, Margaret Ellen Main, Jake and Allie Sweeney, Sam and Madison Howard, Isabelle and Madeleine Skinner and Iris and Robert Postma; one brother, Al (Bernie) Hoover; four sisters, Ester (Ray) Haack, Betty McEntire, Carol Francis and Joann Hoover; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Doc Sweeney; brother, Ralph Hoover, Jr., and sister Jane Nicholls. Marys family is appreciative of the excellent care she received at Blodgett Memorial Hospital in Grand Rapids and from Hospice of Central Michigan. Special thanks also to care provider Shirley Grimes.