Claudette Evann Sweeney

Born November 20, 1955 in Pekin to Clyde Ivan and Carmen Marie (Curto) Martin, she married her high school sweetheart, John H. Sweeney, Jr. on May 7, 1983 in Pekin. He survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Carmen Hampton of Pekin; one son, John (Courtney) Sweeney of Pekin; six grandchildren, Brooke Pankey, Claudette Goeglein, Hunter Sweeney, Isaiah Hampton, Aubree Keller and Jaxon Sweeney; five great-grandchildren, Ziphan, Mason, Xaver, Zayla and Sawyer and six siblings, Kelley (Del) Nagel of Pekin, Mike (Shelley) Pawelczak of Springfield, Tony (Laura) Pawelczak of Pekin, Randy Merritt of South Pekin, Mark (Gail) Merritt of Midway and Linda (Fred) Rutledge of Springfield.

She was preceded in death by her mother; Michael Pawelczak and Donald Merritt, both whom helped raise her and she loved very much and two sisters, Gina Wood and DeAnna Martin.

Claudette had worked for many years at the Concord Inn & Suites in Pekin.

A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Claudette loved all babies and always had hugs and kisses for them. She was also a person that was strong, compassionate, kind, honest and stern when needed.

Claudette loved to can many things from her garden and would love to hear the “ping” when the jar sealed. She also enjoyed beading, sewing, cookbooks and reading. She found joy talking with family and friends and playing games on her phone.

She loved the fall season and making cappelletti and ravioli for the holidays. She also loved powwows and her Native American Family. She learned to make regalia, shawls and feather fans. She also loved the Drum and dancing in the Circle, whenever she could.

Claudette was a member of Dayspring United Methodist Native American Fellowship Church in East Peoria and was an active prayer warrior for several groups. She believed in the Lord and the power of prayer.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Danira Parra will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Dayspring United Methodist Native American Fellowship Church, 201 North Norwood Place, East Peoria, Illinois 61611.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com