Margaret Sweeney

Margaret Sweeney
10-12-1927 - 2-9-2016

Margaret "Maggie" Sweeney passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, with all her children by her side, after a brief illness.

Maggie Randall was born on October 12, 1927 in Duluth, Minnesota. The youngest of five children, she was the daughter of Norwegian immigrant parents who instilled strong values of hard work, faith, and perseverance in all their children - values Maggie carried with her and passed on to her own children throughout her long and wonderful life. The Randall family moved to Seattle in 1944 and in 1947 Maggie met the love of her life, Frank "Mick" Sweeney, while attending Seattle College (now Seattle University). They were married on June 4, 1949. Mick and Maggie. They were that special kind of couple who truly embraced life. Maggie used to say, "He showed me the world!" And he did. Together they raised 5 beautiful, happy children. They were trailblazers, moving to Alaska back in the 50's for Mick's work and coming to truly appreciate and adore the state and the people they met there, many of whom remain friends to this day. They traveled extensively, visiting Central and South America as well as Europe, making sure to explore their respective heritages in Norway and Ireland. They lived and loved life to the fullest, and spread that love to their children, friends and everyone else they came in contact with.

On January 1, 2016 Mick Sweeney passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease but Maggie was just so strong and capable, it never occurred to us that we wouldn't have her with us for many more years to come.

It is impossible to convey the depth of grief we feel after this sudden and terrible loss. She was "grace" personified - equally as comfortable entertaining dignitaries and CEOs as she was in an ice-cold aluminum boat on the Kenai River, cup of coffee in one hand, fishing rod in the other. She was stately and beautiful yet approachable and truly kind. Our only solace in this desperately sad time is knowing she and Mick are together, continuing their eternal love affair on their beloved boat, "The Irish Mist", sailing on calm seas and smiling down on us, wishing us peace.

Maggie was preceded in death by her soul mate of 67 years, Frank "Mick" Sweeney, her sisters Marion Sundstrom and Eleanor Randall, brothers Rodney Randall and Charles "Chuck" Randall, and her granddaughter, Micaela DeFrancia. She is survived by her children, Mike (Gloria) Sweeney, Pat (Mary Jo) Sweeney, Terry (Catherine) Sweeney, Maureen (Dan) DeFrancia, and Shawn (Katie) Sweeney; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins; and extended family galore.

Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:00am, followed by A Celebration of Life and Mass at 10:30am, BOTH Monday, February 22nd at
St. Louise Catholic Church
141 156th Ave SE, Bellevue 98007
Reception to follow

Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guest book at harveyfuneral.com

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