Mary Catherine Sweeney (Sayers) went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 13th, 2024, in Holt, Michigan.

Mary grew up with a close-knit family on a little farm in Caro, Michigan, where she learned to value kindness, generosity, honesty, and hard work. She proudly attended Michigan State University, where she competed on the track team and pursued a degree in medical technology. During that time, she met the love of her life, Dennis Sweeney. The two quickly fell in love and began a beautiful life together, eventually settling in Holt, Michigan, where they raised their son, Chris.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother who cherished time with her family above all else. Throughout the years, she and Dennis supported Chris in everything he did, never missing a single football game, track meet, or band concert. As her family grew, Mary showed that same selfless love to her daughter-in-law Kristen and her twin granddaughters Teagan and Shea. Her granddaughters called her Gugu, and the bond between them was something truly rare and wonderful.

With endless energy and an appreciation for nature, Mary always loved to explore the great outdoors. After retiring, she and Dennis spent years travelling across the country, enjoying camping, hiking, biking, and kayaking together. In quieter moments, Mary enjoyed sewing and quilting, often collaborating with her sisters and friends to create beautiful quilts for others.

In her later years, Mary faced a rare and debilitating illness with resilience and grace. Despite the constant pain, she found strength day by day in worship and prayer. Through those agonizing years, somehow her generous heart never stopped putting others first.

Mary is survived by her husband Dennis, her son Chris and daughter-in-law Kristen, her granddaughters Teagan and Shea, her brothers Don and Wayne, her sisters Judy and Marlene, and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 30th, 2024, at River Terrace Church, 1509 River Terrace Drive, East Lansing, MI 48823. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 and a luncheon afterward.

Mary will be remembered for her selfless generosity and the love she shared with all who knew her. The world is a little dimmer without her, but our lives are all much brighter for the time we spent with her.