Juliana L. Sweet

Juliana Leigh Sweet nee Van Plew, 50, beloved mother of Alexandria (Jacob) Evans, and Brittney Sweet Loving sister of Lisa (Ryan) Van Plew-Cid, Kristen (Scott) Poniatowski, and Jonathan Van Plew. Cherished daughter of William Van Plew and the late Karen Van Plew. Adored aunt of Julian, Jonathan Jr. “JJ”, Viviana, and Samuel. Smart & Complex, Abundantly Generous, Serving, Sweet Spirit, Creative & Loquacious, and Loyal. These words are ones familiar to those who knew and loved Juliana. Similar to her mother who was her best friend, both didn’t know a “stranger”. Juliana embraced compassion and loved with abandon. This is how she approached and lived her life. Born November 5th, 1970, Juliana was the second of four siblings, a middle child. Growing up, she was full of life and mischief and charmed many who met her. She loved horses and honed her poignant voice for writing and poetry. She valued most being with her friends and family and spending time at the Wren, our beloved Michigan cottage, where the family bonds and many memories she cherished were made. Juliana was a loving and devoted mother to her daughters. She mindfully nurtured and valued their individuality and independence and was and will always be their number one fan. Her legacy lives on through them. Juliana’s inherent drive to give to others manifested in her military service, many volunteer experiences, and in her commitment to be there for those she loved “anywhere” and “anytime”. There are so many stories people could share of her being the one to “show up” no matter what. Juliana’s giving spirit inspired her to register as an organ donor, and she was miraculously able to gift two recipients and donate for research. As Juliana found a way to help others live on, we all live on in her memory in remembering to embrace grace and compassion and love more abundantly. Her life is a reminder that this is truly the most important thing. Her daughters share that their mom wanted most to be remembered as a good and kind person. Juliana extended kindness with patience and understanding and took time to listen to anyone no matter what the circumstance. She gave everyone a chance, and she encouraged others to do the same. Following are Juliana’s own words in a Facebook post she made on October 3, 2016. She continues to inspire others to extend and embrace kindness and value the good. "Just think if everyone could post one thoughtful or nice thing they experienced everyday for a week-what an enormous amount of positive energy we could put out into this world and the universe. One person can always make a difference, but the collective can cause change and bring positivity and love in even greater numbers. My nice thing I experienced today was having hot water to take a shower which was invigorating and spirit lifting. Also the story which I previously posted regarding the young man who paid for my soda and ice at the gas station. So many blessings and so many good things all around us. Peace & Love to one and all." Memorials in honor of Juliana may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) www.nami.org/Home or Gift of Hope https://www.giftofhope.org/ To register as an organ donor, please visit https://www.donatelife.net/ Visitation Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton (one block east of Naperville Road) (Due to current covid guidelines only 10 people will be allowed in the building at one time during the visitation) Click here for Live Stream: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3851582551 Please call the funeral home to get the password for the zoom live stream.