Alicia Etta Sweeney, of Palm Harbor, FL formerly of Woburn, passed away peacefully, February 25, 2020 in Florida, following a short illness, at the age of 98. Born in Stoneham, October 30, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Eva (Bowser) Thomas. She was the beloved wife of the late Eugene Francis Sweeney.
Alicia spent most of her life in Woburn until moving to Florida nearly ten years ago with her daughter and son-in-law. In her early years Alicia was an entertainer along with her sisters, Marion and June. They all sang on the radio together. Alicia was also a great dancer who entertained with her dance partner at many area shows and in USO programs during the war. She later went on to teach dancing, and is fondly remembered by many of her students that she taught. She met her future husband, Eugene F. Sweeney, shortly before the war started. She waited for him to return home after four years serving in the Marine Corp in the Eastern Theatre of WWII. They soon married on January 16, 1946 and started their family here in Woburn and raised their three children, William, Marion and Mary Ellen, all products of the Woburn Schools System. For several years Alicia worked at the Schrafft’s Candy Company in Charlestown. She was very proud of her work there and the many friendships she made over the years. Following the death of her husband in 1990, Alicia lived for a while with Mary Ellen in Woburn until moving to Palm Harbor, FL to enjoy the warmer weather. She enjoyed trips to the casino with family. It didn't matter if she won or lost, she just enjoyed playing the slot machines. She was also an avid reader who would normally read an entire book in one sitting. She will be greatly missed by her family and all those she knew and loved.
Alicia is survived by her devoted children; William Sweeney of Woburn, Marion Rich and her late husband Dale of Palm Harbor, FL and Mary Ellen Mohla and her husband Robert of Woburn. She was the loving grandmother of Gene, Billy, Robert Mohla, Mary Alicia Mohla and her life partner Louis Huertas, Christie Erschen and her husband Sean. She was the loving great grandmother of Brianna and Rachel Mohla, Alyssia Famolare and her husband Justin, Alexandria, Uisary and Angelica Huertas and is also survived by her great great granddaughter Autumn Famolare. Sister of Leonard Thomas of FL, the late Marion Crooker and June Keller.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Tuesday, March 10th, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday morning, March 11th, at 10 a.m. followed by a followed by a prayer service starting at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.