Obituary of Bertha Catherine (Fey) Sweet

HERKIMER - Bertha Catherine (Fey) Sweet 84, of Herkimer, New York, passed away at her home, on Thursday morning, October 17, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer, with her loving family by her side.

Bertha was born in Brooklyn, NY, on September 10, 1935, the daughter of the late Harry and Elizabeth Fey, sibling to her sister, Mary. Bertha graduated from William H. Maxwell Vocational School, in Brooklyn, NY, in 1954. After graduating, Bertha worked for Met Life for a few years, having her skills as a secretary.

On January 18, 1958, Bertha was united in marriage to the love of her life, Michael Anthony Sweet, Sr., in Brooklyn, NY. later moving to Herkimer, NY where they built their life together, sharing 29 years of love and special memories, raising 5 children until Mike’s death, on June 22, 1987.

Bertha was a “stay at home” mom until her children were all in school. She enjoyed being able to reap the benefits, allowing her to raise her children and be a home room mother for all her children while they were in elementary school. This also enabled her to prepare home cooked dinners, deserts and make lunch for her husband every day so he could come home at noon and spend some time with her.

Bertha retired in 2017 from Herkimer Central School District after 28 years. Bertha had a strong faith in God, believing everything was in God’s hands. She was a member of New Life Church in Herkimer. She was a faithful member for over 43 years attending church on Sundays and Wednesday evenings, enjoying her bible study and prayer groups.

Bertha enjoyed traveling. She often spoke of how blessed she was to have traveled to places she only dreamed about. She loved to read, play scrabble, go for walks and tend to her flower garden. She loved fine dining, always wanting to try a new place. She cherished her “friend” time going to lunch, dinner, catching a movie, or just spending time with her friends, Marchele, Sharon, Connie, Brenda, Cindy, Shelly, Eleanor and Gail whenever possible. She enjoyed her special relationship with her Sister-in-law, Louisa Walewender and Brother–in-law, Joseph Sweet. She loved to watch her grandchildren play sports over the years then later being able to enjoy watching her great-grandchildren play soccer and basketball. Some of her fondest memories were her time spent in Maine with her family, going to the beach, cooking lobster for everyone and special shopping trips to her favorite Maine candy shops. Bertha loved and cherished watching her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, sharing in the making of new memories every August as she had for over 45 years. She loved to spend the holidays with family and her trips to Brant Lake to enjoy some relaxation with niece Debbie and her family. Bertha lived life to the fullest and often commented on how blessed she was and how thankful she was that God always provided. Her only regret is that she didn’t have her husband by her side over the years to share in these family memories.

Bertha is survived by her 5 children, Michael A. Sweet, Jr. and his wife, Michele, of Herkimer, Sherry Poole and her husband, Jeff, of Pennsylvania, Daniel Sweet and his wife, Sandy, of Little Falls, Peter Sweet and his Wife, Roxanne, of Glenville and Christine Brown, of Ilion. Bertha has 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and her special niece, Debbie Nils Soderman, her children and grandchildren.

Bertha was predeceased by her husband, Michael, in 1987; her sister, Mary Nordlund, in 2019; her parents; and several of her husband’s siblings.

Calling hours will be at New Life Church, Protection Avenue, in Herkimer, on Sunday, October 20, 2019, from 3 until 7:00 PM.

A celebration of Bertha’s life will be held at the church the following day, funeral services beginning at 10:00 AM, Monday, October 21, 2019, with Pastor David Hayner, officiating and following this she will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery next to her beloved husband Mike.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice & Palliative Care in Bertha’s memory. The family would like to thank Cindy from Hospice & Palliative care for her care and compassion that she gave Bertha in her final time.

Bertha’s wishes were of funeral arrangements under the direction of the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, in Herkimer, New York (315) 866-1011, Funeral Directors Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia.