Jean Patricia (Damon) Sweeney, age 77, formerly of Hingham, Norwell and Rockland, passed away peacefully on February 26, surrounded by children and grandchildren at the Charlwell House Nursing facility in Norwood after several years of declining health. Jean was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Richard D. Sweeney, a native of Whitman, and by her parents, Frederick A. Damon Sr. (a former Rockland police chief and selectman), and her mother Evelyn Damon. Jean grew up in Rockland and spent most of her life on the South Shore, with the exception of an exhilarating interlude of four years in Europe with her three young children when her husband Dick’s career took him to Germany and Holland.
In her youth Jean was a natural performer, notably in dancing and acting. She had the lead in her class play for the Rockland Class of 1956, and starred as Laura in a community theater performance of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, with Dick Sweeney portraying the ‘gentleman caller” character. It fostered a fondness for movies throughout her life and she particularly enjoyed the annual Academy Awards this time of year. She also greatly enjoyed seeing her extended family with its large contingent of aunts, uncles and cousins. Most importantly, Jean had a strong faith in Christ and a belief in God’s ultimate saving grace, something she shared with her children and family in both word and deed.
Jean is survived by her younger brother, Frederick (Bud) Damon Jr and his wife Dorothy (Dottie) and their children. She was a loving mother to her son, Richard D. Sweeney Jr. (Rick), and daughters Colleen Ellis and Erin DeSantos. Jean was also the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren: Kaylin DeSantos, Joseph Ellis II, Brendan Sweeney, Ryan DeSantos, Heather Sweeney, Rachel Ellis, Jessica Sweeney and Hope Ellis.
Calling hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday March 1 at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel Plymouth St. (Rte. 58 at the rotary circle) in Whitman. Her funeral services will be held on Wednesday March 2nd at 8:15AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, followed by her funeral mass to be celebrated at 9:00AM in the Holy Family Church, Rockland. Interment will follow in the MA National Cemetery, Bourne, at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in Jean’s name to the Mass/NH chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Details can be found at http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp