Anna Margaret SWEET

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Anna Sweet on July 12, 2021.  Anna, born in 1928, grew up on a farm south of Wiseton as the eldest of the five children born to Norman and Alma McDonald.  Anna lost her father when she was in her early teens making it necessary for her to step in and help raise her younger siblings and help on the farm.  While Anna did not have an easy life growing up,  she never complained even though it meant giving up on her dream of becoming a nurse. She loved her siblings unconditionally and they remained close all their lives.

Anna met and married Ralph Sweet from Forgan, SK in 1950.  Together they farmed and raised six children.  Glen (Michelle) Sweet, Ellen Martin, Lois Sweet, Jim (Vera) Sweet, Susan (Mohsen) Sweet, and Shirley (Kent) Jones.  Anna “Grandma Susie” played a huge part in the lives of her sixteen grandchildren: Dan (Shannen) Fullerton, Jenn (Casey) Fullerton, Melissa (Brad) Walker, Melanie (Darcy) Odermatt, Kevin (Shanda) Sweet, Lindsay (Megan) Sweet, Murray Martin, Jacquelyn (Reid) Sweet, Meahgan Sweet, Annissa Cheyne, Brett Cheyne, Gabe Jones, Karlee Jones, Matt Jones, Mohsen Miakhil, and Nafeesa Miakhil. Anna was known as “Grandma Honey” to her twelve great-grandchildren.

Anna never shied away from hard work and played an active role on the Sweet farm cooking meals for the crews over the years and any of the visitors prospecting Grandpa’s inventions. Ralph and Anna farmed and lived in the Forgan area for over 60 years until their health prevailed and they downsized and moved to Elrose. Later, Anna moved to the Parkville Manor in Saskatoon where she spent seven years, and in the past year moved “home” to the Elrose Lodge.

Anna’s favourite place was Clearwater Lake where she spent some of her childhood, and later the family cabin became the summer hub for her own children and grandchildren.

Anna lived a simple life, one that she was proud of, filled with those she loved and the activities she was passionate about. She was known as “Anne” to her close friends. She loved quilting, crocheting and playing cards, including some of her favourites Cribbage and Canasta. She embraced the role of Grandma in full stride. Her best days were spent in the kitchen making bread, donuts and other treats with her grandkids, attending as many public speaking events, plays, track meets, and hockey games as her schedule would allow and hosting tea parties and sleepovers. She was famous for her bread and buns and carrot cake.

Anna found happiness in her family and was cherished by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There is a country song that best encapsulates her life. The lyric is as follows: “they say your greatest contribution is the ones you leave behind, raised on the ways and gentle kindness of a small town southern man” or in this case as a beloved Mom and Grandmother.

Anna’s family would like to thank Dr. Dave Ledding, Dr. Dan Ledding and the nursing staff at the Rosetown Hospital for all they did to comfort and care for mom in her final days.  Your kindness and compassion has not gone unnoticed. 

There will be a private family graveside service on Sunday, July 18. 

Donations in memory of Anna Sweet can be made to the Rosetown and District Health Centre P.O. Box 850 Rosetown SK. S0L2V0.