Danelle Lynn (Lawrence) "Dani" Sweet

Danelle Lynn (Lawrence) "Dani" Sweet of Kalamazoo, MI

Danelle, age 45, passed away with all those she loved by her side on Saturday afternoon, September 1, 2018 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Danelle was an outstanding example of true strength and fighting for what you love. After being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in November of 2016, Danelle, a loving daughter, mother, wife, sister and friend, lived the days after with such joy and a smile on her face. She truly was a blessing to each person she came in contact with.

Danelle was born on July 6, 1973, in Yerington, Nevada to her parents, Daniel James Lawrence and Patricia Jean (Williams) Lawrence. At the time, Dan was serving in the US Military as a Marine. She was always so proud of her dad for serving his country. Dan, Pat and Danelle returned to Kalamazoo in the Fall of 1973.

Danelle loved being a big sister to her brothers Dale James and John Paul. They both have many memories that support her being the best big sister they could ever ask for.

Her parents, brothers, and family often called her by her nicknames "Nell", "Nellie" or "Dani".

Danelle graduated from Parchment High School in 1991.

She was honored and excited to work with her dear mom at St. Ann Catholic Church in Augusta as a church secretary.

Danelle became a mom in 1998 to her daughter Amanda Jean Lawrence who always called her "Mama". She was thankful that she was able to take Amanda to work with her in the summer. This instilled in Amanda the importance of service which sticks to her to this day. Amanda calls her mama her best friend and biggest role model. Danelle was so excited for her daughter to marry her fiancé, Stuart Thomas and was thankful she got to help plan the upcoming wedding.

Danelle got married on May 13th, 2011 to John Alvin Dennis Sweet at St. Augustine Cathedral. He loved to call her "Dani." Danelle loved when John played her his guitar. They shared many happy years together and were blessed with two beautiful baby boys, Xander Cage in 2013 and Zane Daniel in 2015. Danelle was so excited to have a son, and not only did she have one, God gave her two! They called her "Mama" and loved her so much! She enjoyed staying at home, raising her babies and was thankful that God gave her time with them. All three of her babies were her sunshine and she was theirs! John and Danelle enjoyed going on car rides to South Haven and going to different parks for the boys to play.

Danelle had a special tradition once a week, either Thursday or Friday. She would go with her mom (and occasionally her dad) and each of her babies to Bob Evans for breakfast or lunch. The staff there quickly became family and knew each of them by name.

The way Danelle lived her life was family centered. She loved her family more than anything in the world. She also enjoyed family picnics, outings at the beach and trips to Mackinaw.

Danelle lived a beautiful life, and although it wasn't quite as long as we wish, we are confident that she will always be with us. The family finds comfort in knowing that she is with them every step of the way, guiding them from Heaven, alongside her grandparents.

Dani's family will greet friends on Wednesday, September 5th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D. Avenue (M-89), where the Parish Rosary will be recited and a time of sharing memories will begin at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 6th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo with Monsignor Michael Osborn and Father Francis A. Marotti, as Con-Celebrants and Deacon Michael A. Carl, Assisting. Interment will follow at Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park, Kalamazoo. Family and friends will return to the Father Crowley Center of the Cathedral to continue Dani's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon immediately following the committal. The family is asking for donations to be made out to Patricia Lawrence for an Educational Trust Fund for Xander and Zane. Thank you.