HAINES CITY, Fla. — Mary Sweatman, 85, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2008, in Haines City, Fla.

She was the beloved wife of Leon Sweatman for nearly 63 years filled with love and laughter; cherished mother of LeRoy (Catherine Stewart), Donald (Debbie Foster), Robert, Linda (Bucky) Recaldini and Sally (McClelland) Sweatman; grandmother of Timothy, Tricia, Shannon, Scott and Bethany Sweatman, and Richard and Leanne Recaldini; and great-grandmother of Paige Recaldini.

A daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Bello of Chicago, Ill., she met and married the love of her life, a handsome sailor with unforgettable blue eyes. She moved to Pennsylvania and worked side by side with him, running a dairy farm and turning their four children into responsible adults. They both loved to roller skate and never missed an opportunity to dance.

After raising her family, she re-entered the workforce as a court stenographer and was employed by the Crawford County Court until she and her husband retired and moved to Florida. Her greatest joy was her beloved family, and her gentle kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be conducted Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 112 W. Third St., Waterford, and family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were under the direction of Ott-Laughlin Funeral home in Auburndale, Fla.