Mary Sweetman

Mary Patricia was born March 12, 1937, in Defiance, IA, to Nick and Mary Kenkel, second youngest in a family of 10 children. Her older siblings shouldered many of the chores, and Pat enjoyed the freedom of roaming on the family farm, especially with her younger brother, Nick, and their dog, Pal. Surely this is where her sense of fun and playfulness got its start. Life on the Kenkel farm was also rich soil for many of the traits she is best known for: her joy in family, her conservation, her work ethic, her Catholic faith. It was also where she began mastering many skills: from quilting, gardening, and baking to caring, problem-solving and teaching. Each a language through which she would express her love.

After attending a one-room school house she went on to graduate from The College of St. Mary in Omaha where she began her teaching career and dated Walter Sweetman. The two married and together they raised four kids while moving many times—across the US, into Canada and later, Egypt—Pat making each new house a home. Her optimism and embrace of change helped make the moves adventurous for the children. Walt and Pat’s sustaining family ties and rich friendships (kept over long distances) were life lessons in their own right.

When Walt and Pat (Boppa and Nana as the grandkids affectionately knew them) retired to Arizona, their house and “casita” became the site of many great family gatherings, celebrations, and games. A memorable place, especially for the grandchildren. In addition to traveling, hiking, and volunteering, Pat also finished the collection of family stories that she began writing in Egypt, entitled “Legacy.”

These memories became all the more poignant and cherished when Pat was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008. Its removal changed Pat’s life forever, impeding her language and vision, curtailing many plans she and Walt had for their future.

Yet Pat endured. With the support of many—especially, crucially Walt—and with her own considerable grit and wry sense of humor she continued to grow as a person. And she continued to put others before her much as before. Her love, courage and her indomitable spirit will be how many will remember her.

Pat is survived by her children Jeff, Chuck, Matt, and Lisa; their spouses, Mary Beth, Beth, Gina, and Pete; and her grandchildren Nick, Emily, Claire, Brenden, Quinn, Joey, and Olivia.

Please leave condolences and memories with Pat's family by signing the Tribute Wall.