NANCY A. (Fine) SWEET
Nancy Ann Sweet, 72, of Melrose, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, with her husband Ed at her side on April 24, 2023, after a battle with cancer.
Nancy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Born in Boston on December 5, 1950, she grew up in Mattapan and Chestnut Hill, and graduated from Brookline High School. After graduating from Northeastern University, she was introduced to Edward Sweet by mutual friends; they fell in love and married in 1979. Their daughter Nicole then arrived in 1982.
For over twenty-five years, Nancy and Edward owned and ran a sports card, candy, and collectibles store called Sweet’s Stuff in Melrose. She knew the names and penny-candy preferences of several generations of kids, developing relationships and watching them grow up over the years. Melrose area children (and their parents) carry memories of Nancy and the delight they found at the store.
Nancy was an active member of Temple Beth Shalom. Her work as an editor of the Temple newsletter was invaluable, because her keen eye could spot any misspelling, no matter how obscure. She was involved in numerous efforts to support community members with great generosity and love. She was also a kind friend, especially to older Temple members who needed a little extra help. One of the synagogue activities that Nancy participated in was to help create healing quilts to provide strength. Upon learning of her illness, her friends worked together to make a special quilt for her, with their love present in each stitch.
In her spare time, she loved walks, travel, and theater-going. When a group of her Temple colleagues began to play Mah Jongg, she enthusiastically joined in and became a very successful player. She was also a whiz at Scrabble, known for her amazing prowess in coming up with high scoring words.
For her three grandchildren, she was their beloved Mimi, always ready to play, cook, comfort, facetime, text, and visit often.
Nancy will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of 44 years Edward Sweet, daughter Nicole Sweet, son-in-law Adam Freudberg, and grandchildren Evan, Noah, and Leah, all of Framingham, MA; brother Carl Fine (Winnie Wen) of Newport Beach, CA; brother Norman Fine of Somerville, MA; family, friends, and past visitors to Sweet’s Stuff. Nancy was predeceased by her parents Eve and Hyman Fine of Jamaica Plain, MA.
The burial service is private. The family will sit Shiva at Temple Beth Shalom, 21 East Foster Street, Melrose, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, April 26, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and continuing into the evening, and on Thursday, April 27, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. There will be a Shiva Minyan on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
The family offers sincere appreciation to all of Nancy’s caregivers, medical team, and the staff at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to Temple Beth Shalom in Melrose, MA https://tbsma.org or Stand Up To Cancer https://standuptocancer.org .