Tribute

Mary Sweeney (nee Sainas) passed peacefully from this world into the presence of the Lord on February 4, 2021. Her husband of 65 years, Ron Sweeney, died in 2015. Her love, dedication and humour will be greatly missed by her 7 children, Ron (Bev), George (Cheryl), Mark (Janet), Kerry (Matin), Dan (Lana), Kas (Dale deceased), and Mag (Takashi), 29 grandchildren 34 great grandchildren and countless extended family members and friends.  Mary was born in Kamloops on June 18, 1926, the youngest of 6 children in a Greek family. When she was 12 they moved to Vancouver where she excelled in academics and graduated from UBC with a degree in Commerce.  She married her childhood sweetheart in 1950 and they moved to Abbotsford.

Mary had an active faith in God.  While her first priority was her family, she served her church community, St. Ann’s as a faithful member of the Catholic Women’s League and cared for the needy through the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  She was passionately prolife and with two friends she was a founding member of Abbotsford Birthright.  When her children were grown she began a second career in substitute teaching.

Mary was a lifetime member of Ledgeview Golf Club and was an avid promoter of the beauty of her beloved course.  Her 5 holes-in-one were legendary.

Mary loved music and for many years along with her husband was a great encourager and part-time alto with the Sweeney Singers.  Mary had an unlimited capacity for love – always willing to listen, share a joke, a compliment or encouraging words with those she knew well or those whom she had just met.  Many saw her as their adopted mother or grandmother.

Her final year was spent at Menno Home.  Her joy, sense of humor and strong faith were appreciated by residents and staff alike.  The family would like to thank Menno Home for the love and care they showed her in her final days.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church.