Barbara Ann Sweetland

Barbara Ann Sweetland, age 93, of Lowell, Michigan passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Friday morning, August 2, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her loving husbands, Joseph John Mooney and Oliver L. Sweetland and her dear sister Marilyn (Richard) Flaherty. She will be sorely missed by her 4 children, Kathleen Mooney (Phil Fye), Brian (Sue) Mooney, Patrick (Julie) Mooney and Brad (Mary) Mooney.

Barbara was a loving “Grammy” to her eight grandchildren, Erin, Cara, Daniel, Scott, Nicole, Eric, Baylie, and Allison.  She also adored her six great-grandchildren, Austin, Jackson, Mikayla, Mia, Cooper, and Sammy.  She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, delighting in their gifts, strengths, and accomplishments.

Barbara “Barb” lived a wonderful long life.  She was born October 9, 1930, in Grandville, Michigan to Gerrit (Lucille) Hooijer.  After graduating from Wyoming Park High School in 1948, she worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company as a long distance operator where she met her lifelong friend Cheryl Collins. After moving to Ada in 1954 with her first husband, she would call the Honey Creek area in rural Ada “home” for over 52 years.  The place where she raised her four children, grew beautiful flower gardens, had family dinners, holidays, including Easter egg hunts, and making Christmas gingerbread houses with the grandkids.  Barbara loved her family, friends and neighbors.  Barb’s baking was enjoyed by all that knew her, especially her “Barb’s buns”.  Also, she was a very talented seamstress creating both her prom and wedding dress along with many outfits for her children and grandchildren.  She was also an artist including drawing for her high school yearbook and her lifetime enjoyment drawing and creating oil paintings for her family.

One of Barbara’s professional accomplishments was working at Ada Township which started in 1969, first as deputy clerk for eleven years, then elected as Clerk for the next 12 years. Instead of seeking re-election after 12 years, she decided to retire, allowing more time for traveling and family.  She thoroughly enjoyed serving the citizens of Ada Township.  After the loss of her second husband “Ollie”, Barbara moved to Lowell in 2006 to her new condo that she cherished and continuing her lifelong tradition of supporting, loving and celebrating her family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Ada Congregational Church, 6330 Ada Dr. SE, Ada, Michigan 49301 with visitation from 10-11 A.M. prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ada Fire Department, 6990 E Fulton Street, P.O. Box 370, Ada, Michigan 49301.