Photo courtesy of McCann-Healey Funeral Home - Gloucester City
Gloucester City, New Jersey
May 15, 1939 – Sep 28, 2020 (Age 81)
Deptford – Surrounded by her loving family, on September 28, 2020, Reta passed away peacefully at home. Age 81. (nee Magoun). Formerly of Woodbury and Cape May. Loving wife of 20 years to the late Edward J. Sweeney, Sr. Cherished daughter of the late Thatcher Magoun V and Mary “Molly” Stewart. Loving mother of Craig Hartman (Donna), Mark Pinero, Thomas Pinero (Janette), Jeffrey Pinero (Kelly), Terri Netz (Bruce), Kellie Blymer, Daniel Sweeney, and Sean Sweeney. Predeceased by her son Luis David Pinero (surviving Sam), stepson, Edward J. Sweeney, Jr. (surviving Sarah), and granddaughter Katie Sweeney. Beloved Sister of Thatcher Magoun VI (Nina). Cherished grandmother of Gwen Foerster (Tim), Craig Hartman (Natalie), Jason Netz (Lyndsey), Jesse Netz (Nichole), Kari McElduff, Alexandra Pinero de Rivera (Steve), Carlie Sweeney, Jenai Gonzales, Veronica Pinero Nurdin (Halim), Brandon Sweeney, Kyle McElduff (Crystal), Chloe Pinero, Julia Money (Anthony), Sarah Adams, Olivia Blymer, Jason Adams, and Riley Blymer. Beloved great-grandmother of sixteen great-grandchildren.
Reta received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Thomas Edison State College and was a graduate of the last class of Philadelphia General Hospital School of Nursing. She retired as Nursing Supervisor at Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia. Reta was the former president of the Cape May County Art League.
Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Saturday, June 26, 2021, from 10 to 11 AM at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM in the church. Entombment will follow in New St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, Bellmawr.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to The Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 or online at www.amedisys.com/about/foundation/ Please write in the memo: Margaret C. Sweeney.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Margaret C. Sweeney. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph:856-456-1142
Read MoreRita always treated me like I was family. My love for Rita and family runs deep. She is missed very much.
Jack Forgach
June 26, 2021 | NORWOOD, PA | Friend
Aunt Reta was such a remarkable lady. I will forever cherish our memories of dancing hula together, and doing girlie things together, when she had a house full of boys. She taught me how to knit and encouraged my love for ballet.
Love you “Areta “, always!
Maritza Piñero
June 23, 2021 | Winchester, VA | Family
Reta - there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. There are so many times that I think of calling you to tell you something. You are sorely missed. Wishing you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and want to reiterate how deeply you are entrenched in my heart!
Carol Smith
March 17, 2021 | Philadelphia, PA | Friend
Reta had such a beautiful impact on me, that a day doesn’t go by where I don’t think of her. I could share anything with her, knowing she wouldn’t be judgmental. Reta always had a huge smile on her face and never backed down from any challenge. Some of my best memories are the annual trips to the Brandywine Museum. She would always share about the exceptional talents of children and grandchildren. I would always tell her that her family would replace the Wyeths. I feel so fortunate to...
Carol Smith
October 10, 2020 | Philadelphia, PA | Friend
People say she was 81, had a nice long life, well Reta had a lot of life left in her, more than most 30 year olds I know. Her choice to live a full schedule kept her young, she had big energy.
I can’t remember when I met Reta, she was just there as a family member with Elsie at the Bower gatherings when I was a a newbie in 1979. I am guessing 2016 we started going to weight watchers together. We went on one of our first runs to fun Philly to Mr. Joes and she handed out peanut butter and...
NancyAnne Bower
October 05, 2020 | West Deptford, NJ | Friend
Rita was a good friend and neighbor to my cousin, Louise. She always had a smile or funny story for us. Louise and Rita discovered that they were both graduates of Philadelphia General Hospital. They shared their love of cooking, the Eagles, Cape May, and root beer floats. Family and friends were always at the center of their conversations: I will miss her and am grateful to have shared a few years of her well lived life. Rest In Peace.
Terry Poiesz
October 03, 2020 | Broomall, PA | Friend
ddd
October 01, 2020
Life was a Luau for my mom, Reta Sweeney!!
I will always cherish every second that we had together! I love you Mom!
Craig Hartman
October 01, 2020 | Gordonsville, VA | Son
You touched our hearts with such incredible grace, dignity, and hope! I will be forever grateful for the miracle of Craig and Reta’s reunion which ultimately united our families. I will always remember you in Cozumel, being at my wedding, which was a total beautiful surprise. Forever together❤
Ann Hartman Lavelle
September 30, 2020 | Narvon, PA | Family
