Rita McCarren Sweeney

Rita McCarren Sweeney has died in Orlando on the evening of July 31, 2018, after a bad set of Kidneys finally gave way – but her passing was peaceful, with no pain. She was born on February 12, 1929 to Hugh Thomas & Elise (Carr) McCarren (Lenihan) in Brooklyn, NY. She spent most of her formative Years in Scarsdale, NY – and most of her child-rearing Years in Briarcliff Manor & Yorktown Heights, NY. She worked full-time whilst raising 5 Boys nearly single-handedly. She was a firm yet fair Mother, but always taught her boys that honey gets You a lot more than vinegar, and that a sense of humor goes a very long way in building & keeping strong relationships. If You knew the Rita, we know that at some point (or many times) You were greeted with a little gift wrapped up for You in a paper towel – and most times it would be accompanied by a greeting card signed on a sticky note so You could re-use the card for another occasion. She never forgot a BirthDay, or Anniversary, and would get so excited as the day approached. Some people are remembered for “never meeting a stranger”. The Rita met many strangers on her journey through life – but usually all it took was one topic for her to strike up a conversation – and in many instances this would be the basis for a life-long friendship. She was SO curious, and loved new experiences/travel, etc.. Her innocence was akin to a little kid – never wanting to miss out on anything. “You can’t be 2 places at once”, she was famous for saying – but she did her darndest to come as close as possible to doing so. She was always there for family & friends with positive encouragement to coax us along to make the most of ourselves, and maximize the joy that we would get out of life. She is survived by sons Joseph W. Sweeney III (Phyllis) – of Monterey, CA, Patrick T. Sweeney (No. Weymoth, MA), Sean K. Sweeney (Wayland, MA) & her Favorite Brian T. Sweeney (Kathryn) of Orlando, FL. She is also survived by Daughter-in-Law Peg (Clayton, SC), Sister Cathleen (Williamsburg, MA), StepBrother Thomas J. Lenihan Jr. (Palm Springs, CA), and StepSister Sister Terry Lenihan (Moroe, MI), as well as 8 Grandchildren & a number of Great-Grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Michael H. Sweeney, Brother H. Thomas McCarren Jr., Grandson Christopher J. Sweeney as well as the Frick to her Frack, Elenore C. Hyatt. In lieu of Flowers, please make a donation in the Rita’s name to a favorite charity of Your choice. GodSpeed, Mother – say hello to everyone up there for us.

Rita McCarren Sweeney

February 12, 1929 - July 31, 2018