DR. LOUISE ELIZABETH SWEET

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DR. LOUISE ELIZABETH SWEET PhD., Anthropology October 1, 1916 - May 5, 2012 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. L. E. Sweet, PhD., Anthropology on May 5, 2012 in Selkirk, Manitoba. Louise is survived by her very close friends whom she considered family: Arpi Hamalian, Pauline Cameron, Fran and Bob Frederickson and their children, Kris (Sara) and Ainsley. Louise was thrilled when Kris and Sara had Nora-Jean and often inquired how Nora (the second) was doing. Lorraine Smith who visited Louise every Monday while she was in Tudor House. Louise was born October 1, 1916 to Arden Sweet and Gladys Buckridge in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Louise often spoke fondly of her youth in Ypsilanti with her extended family. Louise had a long academic career which started with her first degree in English from Eastern Michigan University in 1937 after which she obtained her Masters from the University of Michigan in 1939. In 1951 Louise began her doctoral program at the University of Michigan as a student of Leslie White. Louise's area of study was Anthropology and Near Eastern Studies and she spent from 1953 to 1954 in Lebanon, Syria and Turkey doing field research. As a result of her field work, Louise wrote her thesis Tell Togaan: A Syrian Village (1960). She was very proud of this publication and over the past couple of years she would look at the pictures and tell the story behind them. Louise loved the Middle East and would return to do research and teach off and on from 1958 to 1970. After Louise received her PhD. in 1957 she taught at various universities which took her to University of Kansas, State University of Pennsylvania at Indiana, New York at Binghamton, American University of Beirut, the University of Alberta, the University of Wisconsin and lastly the University of Manitoba in 1972. Louise authored numerous papers such as Camel Pastoralism in North Arabia and the Minimal Camping Unit (1965), Camel Raiding of North Arabian Bedouin (1965) to Daughter of the Revolution: Maid in the House which was printed in the May 1980 issue of Canadian Dimension. While at the University of Manitoba, Louise was active in the Left as a supporter of Liberation Books and later the Co-op Bookstore. When Louise believed in a cause or thought someone was unjustly treated, her determination to fight for the cause was relentless. This determination and veracity did not diminish while she was a resident of Tudor House. At Louise's request there will not be a service. An informal celebration of Louise's life will be held sometime later in August. For those who wish, donations in Louise's memory may be made to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 309-323 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2C1 or on-line at www.policyalternatives.ca Heartfelt thanks go out to the staff of Tudor House Personal Care Home for the patience and compassion they showed while Louise was a resident. MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2012