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Janet Sweet

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Date Of Birth: November 7, 1929
Date Of Death: December 19, 2009

Janet Ailsa Sweet, 80, of West Lafayette, died on December 19, 2009 at 8:45 pm at Clarian- Arnett Hospital in Lafayette due to a brain hemorrhage. Born November 7, 1929 in Dagenham, England, she was the daughter of Maude and George Rae. During her youth, she lived in London, and was evacuated to other parts of England during the blitz. She graduated from The Chislehurst and Sidcup Technical High School for Girls in 1945. She worked as a secretary for Lazard Brothers & Co. Ltd until 1954, and then obtained employment with Nestle in Vevey, Switzerland. She left Nestle in 1956 to join her brother in Hamilton, Canada, and worked for the National Trust Co. Ltd. She obtained employment with the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. in 1957, where she met her husband-to-be, Arnold Sweet. They were married in 1959 and then moved to West Lafayette in 1960. She subsequently worked at the West Lafayette High School and then for Purdue University. She retired from Purdue University from her position as an Administrative Assistant at the Cancer Center in 1991. She was an enthusiastic runner, and placed 2nd in the 55 year age group in the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon in 1985. She won many events, including the 400 meter event in the 75-79 age group in the Indoor USATF Masters Championships in 2008, and most recently finished 4th in the 400 meters at the National Senior Games in 2009. Mrs. Sweet was a voracious reader, a member of a book group, and an enthusiastic listener of classical music. She was a member of the Art League of the Greater Lafayette Museum of Art and of the Royal Overseas League. Surviving are her husband of 50 years, sons David (wife Debra) of Fishers and Ian (wife Hanh) of Mercer Island, Washington and four loving grandchildren: Andrew, Rachel, Sarah and Samantha. She was preceded in death by her brother Alan. A memorial service for Janet A. Sweet will start at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, 2010 in the East Faculty Lounge of the Purdue Memorial Union (101 N. Grant St.). Doors will open at noon. Free parking is available in the parking garage which is across the street from the Union, as the gates will be open at the exit.

Reader Interactions

Condolences

  1. Jane a was a neighbor on Hollowood Drive, and a long-standing member of our book club, for many years. She was very sweet-natured and her gentle appearance belied her very active–and winning–participation in many running competitions. It was always a pleasure to watch, from my window, Arnie and Janet taking their leisurely evening stroll around our Happy Hollow neighborhood.

  2. Janet is my first cousin. Her mother, Maud, and my father, Bert, had a special bond in the large Akass family. I will never forget Janet and Arnie’s kindness to me and a friend when as young nurses we arrived to work in Lafayette in the mid 1960’s. They made us both so very welcome and introduced us to plenty of American culture. It is only in recent years that I realise how much you take things for granted in your youth. We have been very fortunate to have been able to see both Janet and Arnie regularly over the years. The wonderful celebration for Janet held in “The Swan” here in Bedford was particularly memorable.
    Our thoughts are with Arnie and his family.

  3. Dear Arnie,
    Please accept our sincere condolence on the loss of Janet. We were shocked to hear about her condition when we ran into to you last weekend. Janet was a wonderful woman and a great athlete. Her competitiveness and desire to excel everything she did will continue to inspire us. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family.

  4. Janet was a remarkable person who brightened the lives of everyone she knew. Our loss is inexpressible.

  5. Although a long way away I send my condolences to you, Arnie and all your family and am with you in spirit at this sad time.
    My wife nee Ruth Akass then Dennis, who died in 1998,was a friend of Janet’s in London.

  6. We have regarded Janet as a valued friend for over 45 years and we shall miss her greatly. Our memories go back to our children’s early years in West Lafayette and to shared happy events with the Royal Overseas League.
    We have spent time with Janet and Arnie, both in the U.S. and the U.K. over the years, and she leaves a gap which will never be filled. Our thoughts are with Arnie and the family at this sad time.

  7. Dear Arnie,

    We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family, and we send you our deepest sympathy.

  10. Arnie;
    What an amazing and full life Janet led as an individual and as your partner.
    You and your family are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
    Fondly, Mair & Hugh

  11. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the entire Sweet family. We are thankful to have had such a kind and wonderful person as part of our extended family. Mrs. Sweet will sincerely be missed by all of us.

  12. Dear Mr. Sweet, David, and Ian,

    I was surprised to learn of Mrs. Sweet’s passing in the local paper this morning. A few days ago, I was driving along Linda Lane and I thought about the times that I spent as a kid playing with David and Ian. Mrs. Sweet was very kind to my brother and I. I’m glad that I got to know her and I won’t forget the kindness that she showed me.

  14. A fond farewell. We will miss your sweet smiles and tender hellos. We hope to lead an active life such as yours.
    Our sincere condolences to Mr. Sweet and family. Take care and be well.

    -Thân mߦ+n,
    -Tiߦ+n, Thy và Chloe

  15. Dear Ian,
    We were so sorry to learn of the loss of your mom. Sounds like she was a remarkable woman who lived an active life full of rich, varied experiences. Just reading about her, we can see how her interests and engagement with art, music, medicine, books, etc. live on in you, Sarah and Sammy.
    Our condolences!
    Leigh and Eric

  16. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have met this loving lady. Our condolences to the Sweets family.

  17. I think it was amazing that Grandma liked to run in races, especially at her age. From memories of many trips and visits, it seemed she had a good life. I’m sure many people will miss her, including me.
    Love,
    Sarah

  18. I will miss my Grandma very much. I will miss going on hikes with her, her visiting us…
    I feel very lucky and proud that she was my Grandma because I know she was a very talented woman and she even ran races!
    I am sure Grandma will be missed by many people.
    Love Your Granddaughter,
    Sammy Sweet (11)

  19. To the SWEET Family,

    It was an honor to have known Janet. She was a classy lady and had such a full life. She was an amazing runner. I’m so happy to have seen her this past summer and celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary. She will be missed.

    Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time of loss.

    Son, Hoa, Tai, and Quynh

  20. My condolences to Arnold Sweet and children/grandchildren of Janet. We often saw each other at the Art League meetings, WALLA, and the International Center of West Lafayette. She will be missed by many people. Sincerely, Alice Anderson

  21. Our saddened hearts and condolences go out to you in your time of sorrow. Please know that Mrs. Sweet will be greatly missed and will always remain in our thoughts.

  22. We have wonderful memories of being together with Janet and Arnold. She was such a gentle soul.

  23. Arnie,
    Joyce and I were shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of your beloved Janet. We know how close you were from the written exchanges over the years, and no doubt your children and other family members will provide comfort and support at this most difficult time. Perhaps at some future date if your travels take you to New York, we will have a long overdue opportunity to catch up. Again, our sincere condolences.
    Jack and Joyce Kannry

  24. Dear Mr. Sweet,
    I am very sorry for your loss. I am glad we had a chance to get to know her while she was here in Seattle. She will be missed by us all.

  25. We are so sorry to hear that dear Janet has gone. She was my father Philip Akass’s first cousin and I have memories of Janet as a young woman back in the 1950’s when I was a child and she would come to stay. She was back in England for our wedding in 1971, and many other happy times, including her wonderful 70th birthday party in Bedford and her later visit to Farnborough a year or two ago. We will always think of her with great fondness. My father joins us in sending our love and condolences. All your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  26. I never knew Janet Sweet. I did know Mrs. Sweet, Ian’s mother and I also knew Grandma Sweet, my beautiful nieces’ grandmother. She was a truly remarkable person.

    Others know Grandma Sweet’s individual achievements better than I so I will leave those to them for description and remembrances. I know Ian and his family.

    I think I can judge the mother and grandmother based on the Sweet family whom I know. It is a loving family full of intense interests, strong passions and great energy. Education and family time are also high priority items in this family. Sarah is a voracious reader and Samantha is already a wonderful poet.

    Ian married Hanh more years ago than I wish to recall. Ian and Hanh are a dynamic couple. Both professionals who have achieved much but also clearly devoted not only to the institution of their family but the love that makes it’s core.

    I will miss Grandma Sweet and I will look forward to seeing Grandpa Sweet again in the near future.

    With love,

    Uncle Eric

  27. We are so sorry for the loss of Aunt Janet. I wish my children had had a chance to meet her.
    Uncle Arnie, you and your family are in our prayers.

  28. Thank you for the letters and more information. We will be praying for you especially on February 14th, a day of respect and honor for Janet, the special love of your life.

  29. Beverly and I send our love and sympathy in the recent death of Janet. We have so many wonderful memories of our visits together at special events with the Neihardt and Sweet families in Lafayette and other cities. She is such a great family lady.

    Love,
    Beverly and Joe

  31. Janet was a wonderful person and Katherine and I miss conversing with her at the various IE School social functions.

  32. I appreciated Janet Sweet’s diligence and professionalism when she worked
    as Guidance Office Secretary at West Lafayette Senior High School. Barbara and I enjoyed seeing Arnold and Janet attend WALLA movies and take part in some TCHA activities as well. Janet is a gentle soul and such a person should be remembered.

  33. Dear Arnie,

    The Lambert track won’t be the same without Janet training for her races. I’m grateful to have known her and very sorry for your loss.

    Rob

  34. After the memorial service on Sunday, I realized what a shame it was that I was not able to know my grandmother for more of her life. Even during the years I knew her, she was an amazing grandmother, mother, wife, and overall person. However, I did not fully realize how rich her life was until hearing about her history from close friends and relatives at the service. She lived a wonderful life and I am truly glad that she was my grandmother. I will miss her dearly.

  35. It was my great pleasure to know Janet as part of the International Center community. She was an enthusiastic participant in our events, including the British Isles tables at International Food Bazaars and the summer dinner series. She was also a supporter of the arts. She will be dearly missed.

  36. We are sorry for you loss. Janet was a beautiful person. We will remember her always.

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