WATERTOWN, NY — Sister Maureen Sweeney died January 6, 2024 at the Summit Nursing Home at the age of 83.
She was born Bridget Marie Sweeney in County Donegal, Ireland, daughter of Edward and Ellen Sweeney on Nov. 21, 1940.
She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph September 7, 1963 and received the habit on June 24, 1964. Sister Maureen made first profession on June 24, 1966, and final profession on August 29, 1969.
She received her bachelor’s degree from Chestnut Hill College and her master of arts degree from Duquesne University. Sister Maureen also has a certification as a spiritual director.
She has taught in many schools in the Diocese of Ogdensburg including: Sacred Heart School in Watertown, St. Mary’s School in Ticonderoga, St. Joseph’s School in Dannemora, St. Agnes School in Lake Placid, Holy Name School in AuSable Forks, St. Patrick’s School in Watertown, Bishop Smith School in Malone, and Holy Family School in Malone. She was assigned as Superior of the Motherhouse for six years and was involved in the General Administration of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister also served as Pastoral Associate for St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Parishes in Massena from 1997 – 2018.
Sister Maureen is survived by a brother, James Sweeney, of County Donegal, and a sister Mary O’Sullivan, of County Kerry, Ireland. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Norah McElholm, Philadelphia, PA, and her nephew, Paul Sweeney, Glendoan, County Donegal, Ireland.
Funeral arrangements are with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown. Waking hours will be at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse Chapel on Thursday, January 11, in the afternoon from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The funeral liturgy will be held at the Motherhouse Chapel on Friday, January 12, at 11:00 am and will be live streamed on Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church Facebook page. Bishop Terry LaValley will be the celebrant and Rev. Mark Reilly will be the homilist. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 1425 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.
Online condolences to her family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.