"Barbara was always so kind and welcoming, with a great sense of humor. Your family stories are filled with so much love and laughter. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your families. With love, Kathy, Chuck, Patrick and Joe DiMarco"
In loving memory of
Barbara Marion Sweeney
October 23, 1924 - July 28, 2020
Barbara Marion Sweeney, born Barbara M. Cooper, died of natural causes at the age of 95 on July 28, 2020 in Phoenix, AZ. She was born on October 23, 1924 to Emerson Skerritt Cooper and Marion Rita Parker. Barbara married Joseph Modeste "Pat" Sweeney whom she loved dearly for the 55 years of their marriage, a love that endured even after he passed away at the age of 80 in December 2000. Barbara is survived by five children from her union with Pat: Marly L. Sweeney (Greg Thompson) of New Orleans, LA, Anne-Marie Sweeney (Marcus) of Ocean Springs, MS, Pamela Thompson (Stewart) of Davis, CA, Jacqueline Sarlo (Michael) of Phoenix, AZ and Patrick J. Sweeney (Lynn) of Palo Alto, CA. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Cooper and Stephanie Thompson, Alex and Sam Sarlo, and Emersen Sweeney. Barbara has one surviving younger sister, Susan Cooper Zalcstein. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Pat Sweeney, a brother, Emerson Cooper, and a sister, Constance Gay Bowen.
Barbara was dedicated to supporting her husband and his successful law career which brought them to several cities in the US as well as repeated stints in France. These professional assignments for Pat allowed he and Barbara to introduce their children to a fascinating and adventurous life. Barbara committed herself to encouraging independence, good manners, worldliness, curiosity, fortitude, fiscal
responsibility, and community mindedness in all her children. Yet most important of all was that each child had an excellent education. She taught them many adaptive skills, sharing her talents as an exquisite
cook, seamstress, adventuresome organizer, and supporter of the many activities of her five children. She loved her children and grandchildren
fiercely and took great pride in their many accomplishments. She seemed satisfied that her most important goals were accomplished and she was able to dedicate her empty nest years to projects such as contributing to the Tulane Cook Book, the Tulane Wives Volunteer Association, and serving as a volunteer librarian at the Louise S. McGehee School.
This strong and capable woman was determined, private and proud, lovingly earning the nickname of "Sparky" to honor her spirit. She ended her days at La Siena in Phoenix, where she was well attended to and until the end, she remembered each and every person who worked there by name and considered them her friends.
The family is grateful to all at La Siena and Hospice of the Valley.