Joan Marie Sweeney

Joan Marie Sweeney, 90, passed away on December 6, 2025, in Williamsburg, MI, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born on June 3, 1935, in Amityville, NY to the late Edward and Mary (Rigo) Pinter. Joan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. On June 7, 1958, she married Raymond Francis Sweeney in Lindenhurst, NY where they began their family. After living in Sayville, NY, Bethlehem, PA and Ballston Lake, NY, Joan and Raymond, along with their six children, moved to Traverse City in 1977. The family fell in love with the area and Joan took a job at Prange’s Department Store, which eventually became Younkers, and worked there for 25 years. Joan was an active parishioner, first of Immaculate Conception and then of Christ the King Catholic Church, where she was involved with Cursillo, religious education (CCD), funeral luncheons and other ministries. She was also part of a regular bridge group, maintained friendships with her colleagues from Younkers at their monthly gatherings, and held season tickets to the Old Town Playhouse for decades. She became a resident of Autumn House of Williamsburg in 2021, where she enjoyed numerous social activities and events, and was grateful for the wonderful community and staff. Joan is survived by her children, Marianne (David) Brond of Middletown, DE, Dianne (Jere) Gulau of New Port Richey, FL, Raymond (Auburn) Sweeney, Jr. of Memphis, TN, Michael (Jinjuan) Sweeney of Chantilly, VA, Elizabeth (David) Richmond of Paw Paw, MI, and Barbara (Rich) Lacoss of Windsor, CT; grandchildren, Daniel, Laura, Matthew, Joseph, Halie, Melena, Raymond III, Luke, Megan, Fangzheng, Brendan, Joshua, Grace, Emily, Hannah, AnnaLeah, Levi, and Gracelyn; great-grandchildren, Leo, Eli, Jack, Jolie, Mason, Tinslie, Wacey, Lincoln; and her brother, Edward M. Pinter, Jr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, in 2006. A funeral mass celebrating Joan’s life will be held on Thursday December 11, 2025, at 12:15 pm at Christ the King Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow. Entombment will take place later that day at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery in Traverse City. For those wishing to give a gift in memory of Joan, contributions may be directed to Christ the King Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Joan Marie Sweeney

June 3, 1935 - December 6, 2025