Donna Marie Sweetland

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear mother, Donna Marie Sweetland (Reddington) on August 14, 2025, at the age of 84. Following a courageous battle with cancer, she passed peacefully at her home in Merrimack, NH surrounded by her family and close friends. 

Born in 1940 in Everett, MA to Samuel Reddington and Marguerite (Morris) Reddington, Donna grew up in Malden, and then Wakefield, MA. She graduated from Wakefield High School. Following graduation, she worked as an administrative support in several businesses and then married and devoted herself to raising her children. She was married to the late Gerald E. Sweetland. Donna is survived by her five children - Scott Sweetland and his wife Marie Beth,, Shawn Wood and her husband Thomas,Sherri Cowie and her husband Michael, Stephen Sweetland and his wife Brandie, and Robin Sweetland, and two step-daughters- Leslie Ingalls and her husband Keith and Loralee Shinnick and her husband Ned. Donna was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. 

After raising her own family, Donna made a career as a nanny and was proud to pursue further education in early childhood education and work for Area Agency of Greater Nashua and the Moore Center in Manchester, New Hampshire where she worked with children in crisis and people with disabilities. Donna was also licensed in Foster Family Care. Donna was known most for her compassion, generosity, cleanliness, attention to detail, and her commitment to helping those in need, especially children. She was driven by a high moral standard and her strong Christian faith. 

During her childhood, Donna had a passion for dance performance which she passed on to many of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her life motto was, “Keep it simple.” 

At the end of her life, she enjoyed attending church in New Hampton, NH, spending time with friends in her community and with her family, and crafting. She was grateful for every blessing God bestowed over her long life. 

A private service is to follow at a later date. 

Memorial donations in lieu of Flowers may be sent to Granite State Children’s Alliance on-line at https://cac-nh.org/charitable-giving/