January 17, 2024

A Funeral Liturgy was celebrated for Sister Maureen Sweeney, a Sister of St. Joseph, on Friday, January 12 at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse Chapel. Bishop Terry R. LaValley celebrated the Mass, and Father Mark Reilly served as homilist.

Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery.

Sister Maureen died January 6, 2024, at the Summit Nursing Home at the age of 83.

She was born Bridget Marie Sweeney on November 21, 1940, in County Donegal, Ireland, the daughter of Edward and Ellen Sweeney. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on 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 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 Maureen also served as pastoral associate for St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Parishes in Massena from 1997 to 2018.

Sister Maureen is survived by her 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 is predeceased by her sister, Norah McElholm of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her nephew, Paul Sweeney of Glendoan, County Donegal, Ireland.

Funeral arrangements are with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.

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.