Sweeney, Mary M. of Franklin, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, with her beloved children by her side. She was the wife of the late George E. Sweeney.
Mary grew up in Dedham, part of a large family who influenced her strong devotion to the Catholic faith. Her family also influenced her admiration of all sports. She loved competing and there are rumors that she was the high scorer on her CYO basketball team. She was an avid Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics fan.
As a young woman, Mary had loads of friends and had a special group, the “Magnificent Seven” who she was fortunate to remain close with for her entire life. Mary and George married and moved to Franklin in the 1960s and made lifelong friendships with neighbors there. After raising her three children, she decided to take up golf and joined the Franklin Country Club. There she earned several championship titles in her division, developed a close bond with the talented women members who helped her improve her game, and she also served for many years on the board of directors.
Family meant everything to Mary. Her three children lived close by which provided mutual benefit and enjoyment. She adored her three grandchildren and found great joy in their time together and spent her retirement years helping care for them, cheering them on at their many sporting events, and seeing them grow into the amazing adults they are today. Mary loved any opportunity to travel and she cherished the memories of summertime on Cape Cod and Nantucket, trips to California, Pennsylvania, and Florida to see Sweeney family members, as well as trips to Ireland, Alaska with her sisters, New York, and many more.
A fighter through and through, Mary was full of strength and resilience. She battled and survived a severe illness in her twenties that left her knowing she could get through anything. “This too shall pass” was a common saying of hers. She also overcame cancer at the age of 79. She loved life and always had a positive attitude and chose happiness at every chance. She brought smiles and laughter everywhere she went. Her heart was put to the test later in her life and it is likely that her reciprocal love and devotion to family kept her going strong for so long.
Most recently she became active with a Franklin Senior Center lunch group. She was so grateful for the kind hearted women who provided tremendous support and companionship during these years. Additionally, she was so grateful for the support from the new generation in her neighborhood, who watched out for her and helped with upkeep and lawncare.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend her funeral Monday, September 23rd, at 9 am from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home at 33 Cottage St., Franklin, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church at 1 Church Square, Franklin. Calling hours are on Sunday, September 22nd, from 2-5 pm.
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