Bernadette Hilda Sweeney

SHREWSBURY / NORTHBOROUGH - Bernadette "Hilda" Sweeney passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2026. She was 91.

Born in Ireland, Hilda was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Ferguson) Power. She spent her formative years in Tramore, helping her parents operate their boarding house. Caring for guests-making sure they were fed, comfortable, and felt at home-shaped Hilda into a strong, independent, and deeply caring person; traits which she would carry for the rest of her life.

In 1956, she traveled alone to America in search of a better life. She settled in Worcester, where she worked as a secretary in the engineering department of Heald Machine Company. It was there that she met her future husband, Richard Sweeney, who, undeterred by their foot-plus height difference, asked Hilda on a date, sparking a love that would last a lifetime.

Hilda and Richard shared 64 years of marriage, a partnership that lasted until Richard's passing in 2023. They lived briefly in Worcester and Westborough before becoming long-term residents of Northborough after moving there in 1965. Hilda enjoyed her years as a parishioner at Saint Rose of Lima in Northborough and, more recently, as a resident at Southgate in Shrewsbury, where she was a regular at many social activities. Most notably, she was a pro at musical bingo, often winning chocolate candies, which she loved, and passing these along to her great-grandchildren, whom she loved even more.

Hilda always considered her most important roles to be those of devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She showed her love through baking and could often be found in the kitchen making something to share. She treasured visits back to Ireland to see family as often as she was able. She delighted in sharing stories of her life experiences and was always willing to offer wisdom and advice. Not one to miss a party, Hilda never turned down a chance to be with friends and loved ones. A social person by nature, she enjoyed gatherings of all kinds, and shopping was always an adventure.

Surviving Hilda is her son, Kevin R. Sweeney, and his wife Colleen; her son-in-law Philip Polkinghorn and his wife Julie; four grandchildren, Eric Sweeney and his wife Christine, Catherine Sweeney McKenzie and her husband Kurt, Meghan Sweeney, and Adam Polkinghorn and his fiancée Hannah; and five great-grandchildren. Hilda was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Karen A. Polkinghorn, in 1998 and her devoted husband, Richard S. Sweeney, in 2023.

Calling hours will take place from 4-6 PM on Monday, February 2, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 3, in Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough. Hilda will be laid to rest beside Richard in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.

Hilda's family respectfully suggests memorial donations be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance - UMass Medical School Foundation, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.