Obituary of Susan M. Sweeney

Susan M. Sweeney died peacefully at her Scotts Valley home on Friday afternoon November 25th 2016. Sue was preceded in death by John, her husband of 54 years, her parents (Patrick and Annie Docherty) and her siblings, brother Paddy Joe, and sisters Mary and Phil. Sue grew up in a very simple abode in Athleague Co. Roscommon, Ireland, under the watchful eye of her father, Garda Patrick Docherty, and the nuns of the Convent of Mercy. Growing up in a small rural town, Sue set her sights on new adventures and followed her ambitions to work in Limerick's Cruises Royal Hotel, then moving on to the 'big city' of Dublin. After a stint in Dublin working for the Royal Hibernian hotel, she emigrated to New York in 1957. There Sue Docherty was introduced to her husband to be, John Sweeney, by family "matchmaker", Mae McComesky. After a brief courtship she married John in 1960. John was a computer engineer so they traveled to the Bay area in 1961. They raised their children, daughter Anne Marie (Aine) and son Micheal (Mick) in Oakland and Ben Lomond. Once her children were raised, Sue worked for the local Santa Cruz City attorneys for about a decade. Sue took a major role in managing her real estate property, staying engaged with every detail until very recently. Sue had a great love for Irish music and culture, traveling the Bay Area weekly with her accomplished violinist and fiddle player husband, John, to enjoy the company and entertainment of the finest Irish traditional musicians. For many years Sue and John travelled to the Annual Ceoltas Convention wherever it happened to be in the US. Another passion they both shared was traveling and meeting new people, visiting the four corners of the world. Their home was always a welcome sanctuary for travelers they had met on their journeys, and they were always proud to introduce their guests to all the Bay Area had to offer. Sue was a cheerful fun-loving lady who was full of life: Her smile could light up a room. She made everyone around her happy whether it was a funny joke, her positive attitude, or her big smile, and she was always great craic. Sue made life long friends wherever she went, such as her old neighborhood in Ben Lomond, with the wonderful owners & staff at Gilda's on the Wharf, with the local Irish Club and with so many people she met on her world travels. In her final episode of life, Sue was blessed with the extraordinary devotion of her children Aine & Mick, along with Mick's significant other, Lori Price and his children, Shauna & Patrick. She ended her time on earth under her own roof with those she loved. Sue will be sadly missed by her extended clan of nieces and nephews, living in the US, Ireland and Scotland, who cherished her boundless love and affection. She will also be missed by her long-standing friends, including her 'Ya-Ya sisters' (Allie, Chris, Eva, Hilda, Marie) "Those we loved don't go away, They walk beside us everyday Unseen, unheard, but always near Still loved, still missed and very dear." Thanks to the care givers from San Agustin Senior Companion. Thanks to Joy, Maria, Dee, Trish and Victoria, who attended to Sue's needs with compassion, dignity and caring. In lieu of flowers please send a contribution, in Sue's honor, to Hospice of Santa Cruz or to your favorite charity. Sue's Memorial will be held at her local Catholic Church, San Agustin, in Scotts Valley on Jan 21st at 11 am; 257 Glenwood Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066. If you have any questions or would like a reminder of the details around mid January, please email [email protected]