Irene P. (Ripley) Sweeney, age 83, a lifelong resident of Haverhill died Friday, September 19, 2008 at her home surrounded by her family.
Mrs. Sweeney was born in Haverhill on July 19, 1925, the daughter of the late Norman and Priscilla (Metthe) Sweeney. She was educated in St. James Grammar School, Haverhill, and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1944.
She was employed for 27 years at the former AT&T of North Andover until her retirement in 1981, during which time she raised her family and household.
Mrs. Sweeney was a member of St. James Parish, Haverhill, all of her life and a member of the Carl G. Davis, Post No. 34, American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary, Plaistow, NH.
She was an avid bingo and card player. She enjoyed the card game Queen of Spades. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was married for 47 years to the late Raymond J. Sweeney, who died August 21, 1992.
She is survived her children, Thomas N. Sweeney and his wife Helen G. of Everett, Judith A. Surette and her husband Alan P. of Trabuco Canon, CA, John R. Sweeney his fiancé Maria M. Bacigalupo of Haverhill, and Brian S. Sweeney and his wife Patricia M. of Haverhill; brother Richard Ripley and his wife Shirley of Plaistow, NH; grandchildren, Eric Surette, Aimee Surette, Samantha Sweeney, and Adam Sweeney; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2008 in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Haverhill Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. James Church, 185 Winter Street, Haverhill, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Primrose Street, Haverhill.
Calling hours will be held Monday, September 22, in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Haverhill Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Relatives and friends kindly invited.