Welcome
Welcome to Fireworks for Louise, a blog site dedicated to celebrating the life of Louise H. Sweeney, who passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
Two Sections: Post Your Stories Here, and Photos
Be sure to check out both sections of the site, by clicking on the Navigation links at the top of the page.
Post Your Stories Here
We encourage you to share stories of, or about Louise here (click on "__ comments", below)
Photos
Please check out the photos of Louise in this section. If you have photos, or other media, please send them to a Sweeney, and we will be sure to post them.
More Info
Celebration of Louise's Life
A celebration of Louise's life was held at 2 p.m. Saturday May 8th, at Millville Friends Meeting House, Millville, PA. A slide show of photos of Louise played to a soundtrack of music she liked. Many wonderful stories were shared and a large selection of the quilts she made were on display at the Meeting House. The combination of tears and laughter made me feel a little better, but I (Denis), and likely the whole family, will have a lot more healing to do before we can get our arms around life without Louise.
Obituary
Louise's obituary can be found here (PDF)
Contributions honoring her memory may be made to:
More Info
Celebration of Louise's Life
A celebration of Louise's life was held at 2 p.m. Saturday May 8th, at Millville Friends Meeting House, Millville, PA. A slide show of photos of Louise played to a soundtrack of music she liked. Many wonderful stories were shared and a large selection of the quilts she made were on display at the Meeting House. The combination of tears and laughter made me feel a little better, but I (Denis), and likely the whole family, will have a lot more healing to do before we can get our arms around life without Louise.
Obituary
Louise's obituary can be found here (PDF)
Contributions honoring her memory may be made to:
- the Catholic Worker—House of Grace, 1826 E. Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
- Greenwood Friends School, P.O. Box 438, Millville, PA 17846
- Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, 226 Center St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815
I set up the blog. whew! Now to invite all the people.
ReplyDeleteI can't say anything you don't already know, just that your mother was a genuinely wonderful person and that it was trully an honor and privilege to have shared so many good times with the Sweeney clan.(STOP WEEPING LEE!!!)
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news Denis, your mom was really a wonderful person. I'll never forget the mornings sitting at the Sweeney Central kitchen table when John and I were painting the house and chatting with her and your dad. She'd patiently listen to young and dumb me expound on things I knew nothing about, too polite to tell me to shut my yap. She was always kind and considerate and she'll be truly missed.
ReplyDeleteI'm remembering amazing chocolate silk pies and catching Louise doing morning exercises to her tapes (VHS back then) in the TV room upstairs. Silly things, I know, but they make me smile through the tears.
ReplyDeleteLove, Amy
Here is a link to the obit from a newspaper where Louise worked:
ReplyDeletehttp://dailyitem.com/0400_obituaries/x1369565569/Louise-Hurley-Sweeney-77-Jerseytown
I sent an email to Sarah earlier today, and she asked me to share it with you all. Here's what it said:
ReplyDelete"I just read the obituary in the Press Enterprise (actually got a 1 week online subscription!! I’m going to use that for all it’s worth.), and it’s just a beautiful encapsulation of your mom, your family and the life you all shared. And, I absolutely love the photo you chose.
I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing I think you and your family are. I truly hope you know what a special group of people you are. Ever since I met you and the rest of the Sweeney clan, I’ve always thought that if I wasn’t a member of my own family I would want to be a member of yours. And, in a small way, I do feel like a member of your family… and I’m very lucky for that.
Please feel free to share my thoughts with the rest of your family. You all hold a very special place in my heart."
Still trying to wrap my head around all of this. The world won't be the same.
Though we never met Mrs. Sweeney. The Clams and The Casserole would like to thank her for wonderful son, Daniel, and family.
ReplyDeleteWhen I picture Louise, I see Dick nearby and a swirl of activity surrounding them. Louise seemed to be at the center of everything!
ReplyDeleteI also remember quieter times when she came to Colorado because Katya needed her Mommy.
Katya is not just a dear friend, she is almost like a sister to me, and I have always felt that I was part of the extended Sweeney family -- and clearly I'm not the only one! Whether visiting the farm, celebrating momentous events, or relaxing together, I mostly recall laughter, music, and love. The warmth and interest that Louise exuded drew everyone into her circle, and I know the ripples of love and sorrow are spreading far and wide.
I am holding you all in my heart and sending vibes of love and comfort across the miles. And I'm tempted to buy some Wonder Bread to tack up on the bulletin board in loving memory of silly times together!
with love,
Beth
I hope you're ready with Olympic level fireworks to honor Louise! I'm sure the Northern lights will be dancing for her too. That was a beautiful, thoughtful obituary, that tells of Louise's accomplishments, and I'd like to add few.
ReplyDeleteLouise was my best friend and role model, even from 2000 (or whatever) miles and another country away.
Louise was courageous: she was an urban person, but moved to a farm, (near a tiny intersection called Jerseytown, near a small town). On the farm was an as yet unrenovated farmhouse. She did this with 5 small children and a very long-haired bearded hippie!
Louise was brave: she wasn't afraid to ride the BumBanger, she learned to scuba dive, and she raised Denis and Daniel (the other 3 were models of good behavior.)
Louise was infinitely patient: she could wait in the car calmly with some of her children while the others searched the house for their second shoe. (And when they found their shoe and came to the car, the others would get out to find a missing book or snack or...)
Louise was a wonderful listener: I can clearly imagine her voice as she said "You think?" and gave her full attention to you thoughts.
Louise was a teacher: she taught me how to make tea cozies and helped me with quilting. And she taught me what has been the most useful prayer I've ever learned: ST. ANTHONY, ST. ANTHONY, PLEASE COME ROUND, SOMETHING'S LOST THAT MUST BE FOUND! She and I prayed frequently as we searched for keys, bracelets, and other things.
So often when I'm mad, sad, scared, or just puzzled, I think "What would Louise say? or do?"
"She wouldn't be scared, just get on and do this, Ildi."
She was so tiny, so beautiful, so much fun, and so strong. It is so hard to say goodbye to Louise, I'll miss her so much!
Such a powerful loss! Aunt Louise was a grand trust fund I always knew I had, even if I couldn't touch it right now. I loved being enfolded in her warmth, humor and fun sitting at the kitchen table or campfire, drinking coffee and laughing. Ildi, I am totally hearing her say, "You think?" and seeing her bright eyes.
ReplyDeleteHard hugs all around. At 11 our time we will celebrate Louise with you all in spirit
Thinking of you all right now. Louise would love this beautiful spring day. Love
ReplyDeleteit's two o'clock here on the west coast, so I'm taking a little out of synch moment to think about the celebration at the friends' hall, and imagine all the people and all the love there.
ReplyDeleteThis is Roger, in the shadow of Ildi. As I think back on the situations we somehow often created and that Louise handled with grace, forgiveness, and even humour, I marvel.
ReplyDeleteIn Kingston, Ontario, we tried to leave the campground by driving across a field. As our wheels sank into mud and we got out to push, we found that it was muddy sewage that was trapping us. In New Brunswick (I'll spare the details) the same theme prevailed. Amidst chaos, Louise showed constant kindness. In fact, I think she was incapable of being unkind. She remains a beacon in testy moments of irritation, showing the way to get through with love.
How wonderful it was to be part of the celebration for Louise! The warmth and incredibly loving atmosphere was palpable. The double rainbow brought me to tears as did the singing of songs together in the barn. I will forever cherish the memories I have of Louise as will Lori. She and Richard have left a wonderful legacy in their children and grandchildren. To know a Sweeney is to Love a Sweeney! No matter if it's your first meeting or a long time relationship. Your parents are shining examples of what it means to Live Love! They have passed this down to you all and we are the richer for it. I will feel her presence at Mother Earth and we think of her of course when we play Jotto or Scrabble or doing crosswords. The picture in the obit really captured her essence! That smile, that strength of character and that ever-present Love! Peace - Pete
ReplyDeleteMaybe I can get some help posting some childhood pictures of Mom that Dad and I scanned.
ReplyDeleteThere's a beautiful one of her with her dog Roddy, and her doll, and a portrait when she was 2 years old.
Ildi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your posts and wonderful stories. Sarah actually read your May 5 post aloud in the Celebration Quaker ceremony. There was one little factual error that I did want to point out... when Sarah "and she raised Denis and Daniel (the other 3 were models of good behavior.)", there was some snickering in the room. There are some stories about those 3 'good behavior models' that you may need to hear. --I'm just sayin!
Today is a very special day:
ReplyDeleteLouise and Dick's first grandchild,
Ezekiel Phillip Weeks, Zeke, is graduating from college today!
I wanted to share this will all our loved ones reading the fireworksforlouise blog.
Zeke's Nonny was very proud of him, and was asking about his graduation and job search when we were last together in the hospital.
Zeke is graduating from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Business Administration, concentration in Computer Information Systems, and a minor in Spanish. He spent the spring semester of 2009 studying abroad in Granada, Spain. Since I work for the college, I get to hand him his diploma. A web video will be available later.
Zeke is now employed as the Web Developer for One Tribe Marketing, a firm that serves non-profits. It is located in Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado.
We'll be having a party for Zeke at our house tonight.
bongo and I are so very proud of you, Zeke, and happy to see all that you have accomplished.
Love, Mom
[posted by Denis]
ReplyDeleteI found these notes from Louise. Not sure of the date, but it has to be from before 1999. The file was titled "sweeneyKidsGrown"
Denis (grown) hangs CDs to scare birds away from his gutters.
he tapes a ‘Sew like a star’ ad to my sewing machine.
He tapes a slogan from a Dr. Scholl’s ad about foot comfort to a photo of Zeke holding his bare foot.
The medicine shelf has a slogan taped on: This little pill helped.
John (at 9? ) parks rubber monster in the rice jar I keep on a high shelf above my eye level, waits weeks till I find it.
He (grown) puts a 1-inch toy iron frying pan under the graduated stack of iron frying pans on my coal stove — this one takes months to find.
Dan became neat after a couple of very sloppy roommates. Once we sent John into his apartment to find something, & John reported that everything including keys was lined up in a row on his dresser. He unfailingly does dishes & helps with cooking.
Denis,
ReplyDeletegreat find! I'm sad to report that the neatness drive must have been temporary!
Love the rubber monster note, as well as the Dr. Scholl's note. And the 'This little pill helped' note is still there!
Hello, Katya here! I'm happy to say we are preparing for another ceremony for Mom, here in Fort Collins. Maybe you can think of us Sunday at 2 pm, Mountain Standard time. Sending love- Katya, details below:
ReplyDeleteHello friends and family,
I wanted to let you know that here in Fort Collins, Colorado the meditation center I belong to is holding a special service for my mom, Louise H. Sweeney, who died on May 1, 2010.
All are welcome, the service is called a Sukhavati and it will be held at:
Fort Collins Shambhala Meditation Center
Sunday May 23 at 2 pm. It will last about an hour, and refreshments will follow.
The Center is at 126 Mountain, it’s in the alley just behind Enzio’s Restaurant. It’s between Enzio’s and the parking garage on the corner of Mason and LaPorte. I believe there is no charge to park in the garage on Sunday.
More details about the Sukhavati, and the obituary for my Mom, and a tribute written to her by her grandson, Zeke, are at the link below. There is also a map to the center. The info is on the right hand side of the page, and then you can click for the whole news item.
http://www.fortcollins.shambhala.org/
Our family has so appreciated all the thoughts, love and support since Mom’s cancer diagnosis in August, and since she died early this month. If you aren’t coming on Sunday, feel free to hold us in your thoughts, we can feel it and it really does help!
Thanks.
Warmly,
Katya and bongo and Zeke
I love the notes you found, Denis! It's so nice to look at the fireworks blog again.
ReplyDeleteThe link for the obit wasn't working so I created a PDF to replace the old link.
ReplyDeletex0x0,
Denis
i recently moved (locally) to another house. As we all know, moving makes us empty every drawer and can make us rediscover belongings and possessions. It is like a giant storm that turns everything over and blows the dust off everything.
ReplyDeleteOkay, maybe it's not so much like a storm, but there was a lot of dust that got disturbed.
In the process of moving, I found this great book that I hadn't seen in a long time. I'm pretty sure mom made it for me when Anora and Quinn were born. It is called "Denis Sweeney-The Early Years" and is a photo album of me as a little boy. It is such a nice little book. I looked at it with Anora, and she liked seeing me on a tricycle, and climbing on a big bulldozer with young John and Kate, and lots of other photos. It's all the more sentimental to me now.
I also found, while moving, so many post it notes from Mom. I didn't consciously keep them at any point, but am so glad when I find them now. Still stuck to photos or letters. Or little packets of photos for me to scan for old projects (year letters, etc.) Perfect little comment still in context and I can hear her voice speaking the words scrawled in her not-so-easy-to-read penmanship (pen-person-ship?)
I'm also changing jobs right now and part of the process is to provide two documents to verify identity (drivers license and...) .So I've been tearing into box-after-box to try to find my birth certificate or social security card, since my passport (which I did find) is expired, and they can no longer use an expired passport as proof of identity. It is a literal identity crisis!
I went through a dozen boxes before giving up and ordering a replacement birth certificate. But in that frantic search, which in itself reminded me of mom, I found a treasure trove of family newsletters, including some drafts with notes to replace this photo, and resize or move this one... great stuff. I always enjoyed working on the yearly letter with mom.
I am not going to pretend I don't miss her; I do, terribly, but I'm so glad for the time we had with her and how strong those memories continue to be.
Greenwood Friends School Connections
ReplyDeleteRemembering Louise Sweeney
by Sandy Smith, former Greenwood parent and Board member
In May of 2010, Greenwood Friends lost a dear
friend, Louise Sweeney. Many Greenwood families cher-
ish the quilts that Louise made every year for the school's
auction, and remember that occasion-
ally she would buy one back herself
when she needed a special gift for a
friend. Louise and her husband, Dick,
had two daughters: Katya, our first and
only high school graduate- at least so
far- and Sarah, one of the first four stu-
dents in the school and now a member
of Greenwood's Board of Trustees.
Along with other early school families,
the Sweeneys faithfully took their turn
cleaning the school and making egg
rolls to sell at the school's booth at the
Renaissance Jamboree.
Louise was a news and feature writer, drama
critic, and editor. She worked for The Press Enterprise,
The Daily Item, and The New York Daily News. She be-
came a scuba diver to report from the
Caribbean for Underwater USA. She
always enjoyed the seashore and could
be found in the surf even when it was far
too cold for anyone else.
Louise and her family attended Mill-
ville Friends Meeting and were active in
the Meeting's peace vigils and garden
tours, as well as educational and social
events. She advocated and exemplified
the ideals of simplicity, peace, equality,
community, integrity, stewardship and
service.
An avid and accomplished gardener
and a curious naturalist, Louise was also
a gifted fabric artist, joining the quilting
collective Quattro. Their quilts, bags,
and scarves were exhibited at Artspace
and other regional galleries.
We will miss Louise's wit, kindness,
enthusiasm, warmth, and curiosity. Thank you, Louise,
for helping to create Greenwood Friends School and for
being a beautiful example of life-long learning, exuber-
ance, and love.
Dick and Louise continued to sup-
port every Greenwood community
function even after their children and
grandchildren graduated. Their chil-
dren and friends delighted in the fam-
ily's yearly "burning of the greens,"
their enthusiastic music-making, the family newsletters,
and Louise's lovely photographs. She chronicled the
Sweeney activities and compiled a family history from a
journal written by her father.