Memorial

Marilyn J. Sweet, 90, of Cedar Rapids, IA died suddenly at home on Monday, June 05, 2023, of natural causes. A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will be 2:30 PM at Garden Plain Cemetery in Whiteside County, IL. 

Marilyn was born November 6, 1932, in Sterling, Whiteside County, IL, the daughter of James Dwight Sweet and Verda Mae (McDonald) Sweet. She grew up on a farm near Garden Plain, Whiteside County, IL and attended grade school at Garden Plain Country School. The family moved to Mt. Hope, KS in 1944, where Marilyn completed high school in 1950. She attended Colorado Women’s College for two years, then University of Kansas where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1954.  Marilyn received a stipend from the National Science Foundation to attend Michigan State University where she obtained her Master of General Science degree in 1961. 

Marilyn began her teaching career in 1954, and over the years taught elementary and junior high science at Kansas City, Kansas, Zion, Illinois, Dewitt, Iowa, and at McKinley and Franklin Schools in Cedar Rapids, retiring in 1989. She was a highly regarded teacher, who challenged her students to do their best. 

Marilyn loved nature and enjoyed camping and hiking, especially in the mountains in Colorado and Wyoming.  Marilyn was close to her siblings and organized many successful family vacations.  She was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids.

She is survived by her brother, Timothy M. (Jackie) Sweet, sister-in-law, Beryl Sweet, many nieces and nephews, and her good friend, Flora Kitzman.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, James L. Sweet, and a sister, Emily M. Sweet.

Memorials may be directed to Defenders of Wildlife, National Audubon Society or the Sierra Club.