Obituary of Jennie Yvonne Sweet

October 22, 1921 – Calgary, Alberta

March 4, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Jennie Yvonne Sweet returned to the arms of her parents, her siblings, and God on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the age of 101 years.

Jennie lived her life to the fullest, 101 years, 4 months, and 12 days. She was born and raised in Calgary, to Ukrainian immigrant parents, who instilled in her cultural heritage and determination to make a difference, which she did graciously.

Jennie was a born teacher from childhood, graduating from the Alberta Standard School at 19, she took her first formal teaching career which spanned 36 years, retiring at the age of 55. She taught school in Crossfield and area, moving to Renfrew school and then to the Stanley Jones school in Calgary.

Her passions in life were; teaching, dancing, drawing, gardening especially her raspberry bushes, basketball, and her Faith and of course her extended family. She had a passion for helping others and was a great supporter of the Calgary Zoo and the lunch program at the school. She loved the Calgary Stampede Parade, the events on the grounds, Heritage Park, and the Calgary Zoo which she took many family members to over the years any chance to educate.

She was concerned, in her later years, questioning if God would be upset with her because she had not married, or had children. She was quickly reminded that her students were her children, and she would give a little giggle in acknowledgment of that reality.

‘Show Up’ was her philosophy, show up to your faith, life opportunities, family, and friends. Her message to the world and family ‘be kind!’

Although totally content to be home she did travel some; California to see Disneyland, Hawaii, Vancouver, Montreal, and of course Canmore and Banff.

She spent her last years, at the Providence Care Centre surrounded by residents that she would call friends. Thank you to the loving and supportive care staff; a special thanks to Sara, Teresa, Jane, and Karilynn, you all made her feel loved, safe and supported; and to her family that stood by to assist her, great-niece Karen Matheson, niece Sharon Novack, great-nephew Jason Novak, niece-in-law Joanne Bussey, and long-time friends, Eddie and May Firmaniuk, whose friendship was cherished.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Samuel Solodky Sweet; brother Mike Sweet, sisters, Jessie Bussey and Sophie Shellian; and nephews, Gerald Shellian, and James and Gordon Novak. She had left behind many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews and their families: Gordon Bussey of Airdrie, Ronnie, Richie, and Larry Shellian of Canmore, Betty Kirby of Kelowna, Shirley Matheson of Grande Prairie and great-nieces, Karen and Velvet Matheson of Calgary, the Solodky’s of Airdrie, James Matheson of Red Deer. Kerri Shellian of Valencia, CA, the Quigley family of the Springbank area, and Marilyn, Connie, Joanie, Shelley, Randy and Ron Sweet.

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (729 – 6th Street N.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Any family, former students, colleagues, neighbors, and church members are warmly welcome to attend Jennie's service. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Zoo, c/o Aldera Chisholm, 1300 Zoo Road N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 7V6, www.calgaryzoo.com or any school lunch program in your area.

In living memory of Jennie Sweet, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to View Jennie Sweet's Memorial Card