Elizabeth D. Sweetser

Elizabeth D. Sweetser, known all of her life as Lillian, passed away peacefully after a short illness at the Advanced Care Hospital of Southern New Mexico on June 28, 2009. She has rejoined her beloved husband of 62 years, Ed. They were the embodiment of soul mates, truly in love and rarely apart. She made it through the Great Depression of the 1930's and the ravages of World War II, marring Ed in 1943. She had only one son, and as she said often, "She settled for Quality not Quantity." Lillian and her husband traveled the world for many years, having visited nearly every country. She was an avid reader until the end and prided herself on knowledge of the community and current world events. Her maiden name was McKnight and she was always proud of her Irish heritage. She visited Ireland more than four times and would have loved to return there one more time. Although she lived alone, she had companionship and support from Shirley and Marisella, both from Home Instead.

A breast cancer survivor, she suffered from chronic back pain but endured it with strength and grace. She received wonderful medical care from Dr. John Glick and spiritual support from the Catholic Church, including weekly Communion from Peter, her Eucharistic Minister.

She is survived by her son, Edward (Dr. Ed) and his wife Suzanne Quillen-Sweetser; her grandchildren, Ted Sweetser and his wife Kelly; Patrick Sweetser and his wife Dani; Ashleigh Quillen and Natasha Quillen Sweetser. She was also a great grandmother to Marisa and Logan Sweetser of Scottsdale; Eddie Rowe and RJ Sweetser of Las Cruces and Shayla Hudson of Las Cruces. She was very close to her first cousin, Eileen Clappin and her husband, Jack of Naples, Florida. She also had a deep affection for Beth (BB) Landers who shared her passion for reading.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Getz Funeral Home. The Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10 am on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral with Fr. Ray Flores officiating. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. To sign the local online guest book go to www.GetzFuneralHome.com