Marilyn F. Sweet

Marilyn Ferne (Moore) Sweet

Marilyn was on March 12, 1937 in her grandparents’ home in Athens, PA,and passed to be with family in heaven on January 18, 2026. Her parents were the late Edward and Wilma (Frantz) Moore. Marilyn grew up in

Rome, PA was proud to be in the last graduating class of Rome High School in 1955. In subsequent years, Marilyn loved to attend school reunions with her father, who was also an alumnus of RHS.

Marilyn married Rev. Burtt E. Sweet on June 9, 1955 at the Drew University Hendricks Chapel. Their wedding was officiated by University President Dr. Fred Holloway. They lived and served United Methodist Churches in Narrowsburg, Newark Valley, Binghamton (Tabernacle), Vestal Center, Clarks Summit PA, Binghamton (Boulevard), Oneonta, Shavertown PA, Binghamton (Fairview), and Castle Creek.  When Burtt retired they built their own home on the St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands), where Marilyn lived for 30 years until she came to live with Beckie in Buffalo, Ithaca, and Greene.

Marilyn served as a partner in Burtt’s ministry, while also active in WSCS and United Methodist Women. She served as a UMW officer on district and conference levels, served as a director of the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries, and as a member of the Northeastern Jurisdiction Core Planning Group. She traveled all over the world visiting UMCOR Mission sites, which she felt counted as her higher education. Marilyn was elected as a delegate from the Wyoming Conference to General and Jurisdictional Conferences. Marilyn was very well read, enjoyed camping (except boating!), sewing, crafts, gardening, cooking for family, singing, and creating joy. Marilyn was famous for her homemade bread, which she generously shared with so many of us. Since she moved to Buffalo in 2018, Marilyn had been an avid Buffalo Bills fan. Go Bills!

In addition to being a devoted mother and grandmother, Marilyn worked as a licensed beautician, companion and housekeeper, assistant to the executive director of Broome County Council of Churches, and assistant to the dean of Wadhams Hall Seminary College.

Marilyn is survived by three children: Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, Rev. Beckie Sweet, Burtt Sweet II, and daughter-in-law, Lynne Sweet. She had nine grandchildren and significant others, and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Gary Moore, brother-in-law and spouse, Walt and Elaine Sweet, and by precious nieces & nephews and many precious friends.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 56 years, Burtt, her older sister, Jean Malarkey, her son Dan Sweet, granddaughter Alissa Besse, and other loved ones.

At Marilyn’s request, no formal services will be held. A private family event will take place to celebrate Marilyn and Burt’s lives on the St. Lawrence River after the spring thaw.

Memorial Donations may be directed to:

United Women in Faith Legacy Endowment Fund at https://uwfaith.org/give/legacy-fund/ or Mail check to: United Women in Faith Attn: Legacy Church Center for the United Nations, 777 United Nations Plaza, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017, or to a the church or charity of one’s choice.