Louise Hurley Sweeney

Louise Hurley Sweeney, 77, of Running Rooster Farm in Jerseytown, died Saturday evening, May 1, 2010, of complications after having beaten cancer. She was surrounded by a loving circle including her husband, children and extended family. Louise, mother of five and grandmother of seven, cherished the family she grew up in and went on to raise her own large, connected family. She celebrated the interests and activities of her family and friends. She was an artist whose work most recently took the form of quilts and beautiful fabric creations as a member of Quattro with three dear friends. Louise was a photographer, with a keen eye for beauty in unexpected places. She was a gardener, relentless against weeds, who created arrangements of blooms that were pieces of art. Louise was famous for her wit, kindness, and full attention to those who were blessed to know her. She was an activist, who consistently advocated the ideals of justice, equality, and prosperity for all humankind. A news writer, drama critic, editor, and thoughtful letter-writer, Louise retired as page editor from The Daily Item and worked previously for The Press Enterprise, Underwater USA and The New York Daily News. She was a natural scientist, thrilled to look at things under the microscope. Louise was among the group that founded Greenwood Friends School and was an advocate for student-centered education. She was a life-long student. She prized family gatherings, fireworks, sledding, live music, her "Y" Fit & Flex group, dancing, and a great party. Louise loved ocean beaches, early morning swims, and surf riding every summer. Louise was an extraordinary person. Louise is survived by her husband Richard Sweeney, and children: Katya Stewart-Sweeney, John Sweeney, Denis Sweeney, Dan Sweeney, Sarah Sweeney-Denham and seven grandchildren; and her brother Denis Hurley. A celebration of Louise's life will be held at Millville Friends Meeting, Millville, Pa., on Saturday, May 8, at 2 pm. Contributions honoring her memory may be made to the Catholic Worker, Greenwood Friends School, or Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble. Catholic Worker—House of Grace 1826 E Lehigh Ave Philadelphia PA 19125 Greenwood Friends School PO Box 438 Millville, PA 17846 Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble 226 Center Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815 The Sweeney family is being assisted by the Allen Funeral Home at 745 Market Street in Bloomsburg. For those wishing, online condolences are available at AllenFuneralHomeonline.com.