Poughkeepsie – Ann Britton Sweeney, 100 years old, died peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2020 surrounded by her family, at her home on East Cedar Street.
Born on January 28, 1920, in Sharon, CT, she was the daughter of the late George Henry and Bessie A. Rooney Britton. Ann married Edward Charles Sweeney on May 8, 1943 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Pawling, NY.
Ann was a 1938 graduate of Pawling High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Biochemistry from the College of New Rochelle in 1941. She worked in New York City for the FBI, but later went on to her life’s true mission as a wife, mother and homemaker.
Ann was a devoted Roman Catholic. Her life was a testament to faith and a shining example of God’s presence and grace on Earth. Ann served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister and parish volunteer at St. Peter’s Church, Hyde Park. She also volunteered in the library at St. Peter’s school, touching the lives of many young children throughout the years.
She served in the St. Francis Hospital Women’s Auxiliary in Poughkeepsie, and for many years was a key organizer and volunteer for the Dutchess County Mothers March of Dimes fundraising campaign.
Her unfailing faith, good humor and kindness were always present in all that she accomplished. An expert gardener, cook and baker, Ann truly appreciated the world around her and was endlessly curious and observant. She loved hosting large holiday gatherings at her home, keeping calm no matter how many family members squeezed into her kitchen. She played an enormous and irreplaceable role in the lives of her grandchildren and cherished hearing about their work, travels and families. Ann was happiest being at home with her family, and they are blessed with so many warm and wonderful memories of spending time with her.
Ann was predeceased by her husband, Edward, in 1982; her father George and mother Bessie; stepmother, Loretta Wade Britton; daughter, Ann Elizabeth, in 1955; two brothers, George and John Britton; six sisters, Isabelle Iness, Loretta Cullen, Beatrice Jamieson, Charlotte Biggart, Wynola Pelton and Sara Leehey; and her grandson, Hobie Simpson in 2016.
Ann is survived by seven children, Bill Sweeney (Ann) Delanson, NY; Mary Amandolare (Jack) Poughkeepsie, NY; Joan Liebowitz (Rich) Fairfield, CT; Ed Sweeney, Aurora, IL; Elizabeth Kolthay (Fred) Mahopac, NY; Mike Sweeney (Kim) Highland, NY; George Sweeney (Cathy) Hummelstown, PA; 22 grandchildren, Ed, Heidi and Bari Liebowitz; Lynn Spencer; Beth Bain; Steve Sweeney; Laura Springer; Sarah and Matt Amandolare; Carrie and Jeff Meade; Matthew and Amy Sweeney; Timmy, Michael, Kevin and Kacie Sweeney; Charlie, Tommy and Danny Sweeney; Sam and Freddy Kolthay; and 20 great grandchildren.
The family of Ann Sweeney is thankful for the care, love and compassion of her personal caregivers, Joanie, Megan, Mandi and Lenore, and her Hospice caregiver, Dee.
Due to COVID, services are private. Burial will be made in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s memory to St. Peter’s Parish, 6 Fr. Cody Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or www.hvhospice.org.
