Merrilyn Betsy Griswold Sweeting, 92; recently passed away Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 in her Minetto, NY home. Born in Utica, NY, she graduated from Utica Free Academy. Betsy then attended SUNY Oswego. She began her teaching career after completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and taught in Utica, Missouri and Oswego, NY. Betsy dedicated her life to children and was a beloved kindergarten teacher at Minetto Elementary School, a Scout Leader, and a teacher of preschool and piano.
Betsy’s lifelong love of music and singing led to her performing with Festival Chorus, The Fort Ontario Singers, New Horizons Band, and her church choir. In addition, she served as the Minetto Town Historian and was a member of Winter Club, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Betsy was of service in many ways at her church the Minetto United Methodist Church.
Betsy was predeceased by her father W. Ray Griswold, mother Marguerite Jones Griswold and sister Marjoray La Casce, Charles Sweeting, her husband of 47 years, and Edwin Peterson her second husband of 15 years.
She was a wonderful, loving mother to her daughters: Heather Sweeting and Pamela (Gregory) Sweeting Kuczawa and a cherished grandmother to Ashley Kuczawa and Charles (Diane) Kuczawa and great granddaughter Jane Kuczawa.
The family would like to thank Betsy’s caregivers for their wonderful devotion to her care.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Minetto United Methodist Church.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, March 14th at the Minetto United Methodist Church. Burial will be conducted in the spring at Springbrook Cemetery, Sterling, NY.
The Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home, 147 W. 4th St., Oswego has care of the arrangements.
So sorry to hear about Betsy’s passing. She and the family were long time neighbors of my family on East 7th street and my mom and dad so enjoyed their company. I babysat you a few times. She and Charlie were wonderful people and it sounds as if she had a great life. I am sure you all will miss her.
Pam and Heather, please accept my heartfelt condolences to each of you and your loved ones. Your mom was a special lady. It’s been so long since I last saw the Sweetings. The rare online reference of someone, be it church or historian news, band, choir, or teaching, would stir the memories. Keep your own families close to your hearts and memories in your thoughts.
Dan Mulcahey
Pam and Heather I’m so sorry I will see you at the service on Saturday
I am so sorry to hear of Betsy’s passing. She taught my son, Tyler in kindergarten many years ago. She was a wonderful, caring teacher and inspirared so many children. She will be greatly missed.
So very sorry to hear of Betsy’s passing. She and my Mom, Katy Pullen, were very good friends for many years. Sending love and prayers to her family.
Sincerely, Betsey Pullen Doviak