Shirley Sweet

Shirley D. Sweet, 90, Durand, Illinois died peacefully on Tuesday, November 5 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born on November 13, 1933 in Clinton, Wisconsin the daughter of Floyd and Margaret (Hogan) Kelsey.

Floyd and Margaret moved to Durand in 1945 where Shirley attended Union School. She graduated from Durand High School in 1951, and married James M. Sweet in Durand on July 20, 1952. Shirley was Jim’s partner in the egg production business, an avid gardener, excellent cook, exceptional baker, as well as a seamstress, chauffer and cheerleader for seven children. Shirley was also very active in the Durand United Methodist Church as a Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, musician, committee member and chairperson, and trustee. She was always available to make an angel food cake or apple pie for bake sales, or a casserole for church dinners, funeral dinners and celebrations. Shirley was among the mothers who successfully lobbied for a kindergarten program in Durand Community School District #322 and went on to serve on the school board for over a decade. She also worked for many years at Goldie Floberg in Rockton, beginning as a part-time care worker and retiring as the personnel director. Shirley was known for her love of all animals. Her gentle nature was appreciated by the many cats and dogs she cared for throughout her life. As a life-long fan of the Chicago Cubs, Shirley was overjoyed when her beloved team finally broke the curse and won the 2016 World Series.

Survivors include her children, Loretta Sweet, Kenneth (Kate) Sweet, Susan (Peter Johnson) Sweet, Linda (Mike) Baxter, Steven (Karen) Sweet, Karen Sweet, and Kathryn (Gary DeCoster) Sweet; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister Kathy Whitehouse. Predeceased by her parents, husband and four siblings.

A Celebration of Life ceremony is planned for May 2025 in Durand.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating in Shirley's name to the Durand Area Food Pantry, P.O. Box 564, Durand, IL 61024 or HOO Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, PO Box 594, Durand, IL 61024.