Margaret Theresa (Jones) Sweeney was born on July 8, 1927 in Laurel, MD. She was the youngest of nine children born to Dr. George and Emma Jones of Laurel. Known as Peggy to her family and friends, she grew up in Laurel, graduating in 1943 from St. Mary of the Mills High School. In her high school yearbook Peggy was listed as the "class redhead" and was as known for her sharp wit and fiery spirit as much as for her red hair.
After completing high school Peggy worked for the Federal Government in Washington DC, taking a bus to work everyday with her best friend. It was during this time that she met a young man who lived in a neighbor's rooming house. Joe Sweeney worked at Laurel Race Track and soon enlisted in the US Marines as it was during WWII and he was anxious to serve. Peggy and Joe corresponded while he was overseas, and when Joe was wounded during an attack on the USS Hornet, he and Peggy wrote each other everyday while he was hospitalized for nearly 11 months in CA. Upon his return home, the two married and settled down to live in Annapolis.
While raising their six children, Peggy was a homemaker who was involved in the VFW Auxiliary and volunteering with her children's activities at St. Mary's School. She later worked part-time for the State of Maryland Payroll Office until her retirement, when she and Joe traveled and enjoyed their many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed volunteering for Partners in Care and was a devout Catholic, attending Holy Trinity Church and St. Philip Neri Church she was a member of the Catholic Daughters.
Peggy was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Joseph F. Sweeney Sr., and her daughter Sandra Peddicord. She is survived by five children, Joseph F. (Kathy) Sweeney Jr. of Charlotte NC, Joyce A. (Reggie) Swanson of Millersville, Michael P Sweeney of MD, Colleen (Kevin) Milligan of Bowie, and Angela L. (Steve) Murray of Glen Burnie. She is also survived by her beloved 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on at 12 noon on Tuesday, April 10th, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 6405 Orchard Road, Linthicum, MD 21090. Interment in MD Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville. The family requests that no flowers be sent. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Philip Neri School Tuition Assistance Fund.
Cemetery Details
MD Veterans Cemetery
1080 Sunrise Beach Road
Crownsville, MD, 21032
Mass of Christian Burial
APR 10. 12:00 PM
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church
6405 S. Orchard Road
Linthicum Heights, MD, US, 21090