The Valley remembers Sue Sweeney

Susan M. Sweeney, long-time resident of Ben Lomond, died peacefully at her Scotts Valley home on Friday afternoon November 25th 2016. Sue was proceeded 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 rural Athleague Co. Roscommon, Ireland, under the watchful eye of her father, Garda Patrick Docherty, and the nuns of the Convent of Mercy. As she came of age, Sue set her sights on new adventures and followed her ambitions to work in Limerick’s Cruises Royal Hotel, then moved 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 Santa Cruz City attorney’s office for about a decade. Sue also took a major role in managing several local rental properties, staying engaged with every detail until very recently.

Sue had a great love for Irish music and culture and traveled the Bay Area weekly with John, who played the fiddle, to enjoy the company and entertainment of the finest Irish traditional musicians. She and John shared a passion for 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.

Johnny and Sue Sweeney at the Irish Seisiun at the Poet & Patriot
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 sharing a joke or simply with her positive attitude and beautiful smile. Sue made lifelong friends wherever she went: In her Ben Lomond neighborhood, with the wonderful owners and staff at Gilda’s on the Wharf, with the local Irish Club Picnic, 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, and 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 caregivers from San Agustin Senior Companion Program (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 January 21st at 11:00 am. 257 Glenwood Dr. Scotts Valley, CA 95066.