Frances D. Sweeney

Frances D. Sweeney (nee Dour) of Lumberton, NJ died Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Cherry Hill. She was 89. The oldest daughter of six children born to Sophia Watson and Emil Dour, Frances grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, surrounded by extended family. She briefly attended Brooklyn College before working at Bell Labs where she met her husband and love of her life, John Sweeney. They married, started a family and moved to New Jersey where they raised their five children in Fair Lawn, Mt. Holly, Maplewood, and then Basking Ridge. They later moved to Greensboro, NC and lived there for 30 years until her husband’s death, when Frances relocated to the Mt. Holly area. Frances was a woman of her times, devoted to her husband and family. She was active in her community and church and was an accomplished swimmer, golfer and bridge player, activities that were excellent outlets for her competitive spirit. She treasured the close friendships she developed at Bell Labs, which continued throughout her life. She loved to travel and eagerly anticipated yearly family vacations when she participated in daily swims and games, which she loved to win. Frances’ family was her greatest treasure and her sacrifice and dedication to their success a lifelong passion. She was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who reveled in the lives and accomplishments of her family. Adored by her husband, cherished and admired by her children and their families, she is remembered for her laughter and continuing love of life. Always grateful for life’s blessings on her, she touched the lives of those around her by small acts of kindness and love. The mother of the late Michael; she is survived by two sons, two daughters, and the widow of her deceased son and their families: Tom and Betsy Sweeney of Lumberton, NJ; John and Cindy Sweeney of Greensboro, NC; Patricia and Bruce Henry of Brooklyn, NY; Catherine Sweeney and Ken Stockton of Ann Arbor, MI; and Deborah Sweeney of Marbella, Spain. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and their partners: Mike and Sandy Sweeney, Chris and Brian Creelman, Lisa Sweeney, Kelly Sweeney, Connor Sweeney, Sean and Joan-Marie Henry, Katie Henry and Corey McFarlane, Danielle Stockton, Matt and Mary Stockton, Casey Stockton, Mik Sweeney and Magaly Sanchez, Eva Sweeney, Stephen Sweeney and Victoria Wood, and Davida and Sam Wicks; 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Rosemary, as well as dozens of nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 10:00 am at the Sacred Heart Church, 260 High St., Mt. Holly. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday from 3 to 8 pm and 9 to 9:30 am on Saturday at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly, NJ. Interment will be in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Sweeney’s memory may be made to: Saint Pius the Tenth Catholic Church, 220 State St., Greensboro, NC 27408-5922, designated for the Refugee Ministry.

Frances D. Sweeney

August 3, 1921 - July 6, 2011