Dolores Darlene Ferrier

We are saddened to share the passing of Dolores “Darlene” Sweem-Ferrier, of Santa Barbara, she passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023, Santa Barbara, CA at the age of 90. Darlene “Darr”, was born May 4, 1933, in Sioux City, Iowa to Sylvan and Dolores “Honey” (Ross) Johnson. She was the oldest of 7 children (5 girls and 2 boys). She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, known as Grams or Grandma Darlene to her 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, 2nd husband Frederick Ferrier, sister Sylvia and brother Dick. She is survived by siblings, Connie, Linda, Kathleen, Randy; her four children, Jeffrey Sweem, Big River, CA, Derek (Sharon) Sweem, Anaheim, CA, Michael (Janette) Sweem, Richmond, Maine, and Suzzanne (Mike) Nespor, Goleta, CA, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In 1969, the Sweem family moved to Southern California then eventually settled in the central coast, Goleta, California where she fell in love with the then small town. In the early years, she enjoyed going to the beach and clam digging, later she enjoyed gardening, growing her own vegetables and tending to her roses. She was a talented artist, painting still life and landscapes. Her favorite pastime was playing Solitaire on extra-large print cards. For many years during the summer she returned with her children to the Johnson Family cabin at Swan Lake, Viborg, SD to reunite with her parents, siblings, their children, and her cousins’ families. Times at the “lake” are treasured memories for us all. Visitation for the family will be Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm Welch-Ryce-Haider, 450 Ward Dr., Santa Barbara, Ca 93117 Services will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:30am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 380 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta Ca. 93117, live streaming of the service will be available. The direct Vimeo link for the service: https://vimeo.com/event/3802197. The people watching may need to refresh the page if they tune in early. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wrhsb.com

Dolores Darlene Ferrier

May 4, 1933 - October 6, 2023