Margaret R. "Peg" Sweeney

SWEENEY, Margaret R. "Peg" (Kelliher) 78, a beacon of strength and love, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 4, 2025. Born on May 31, 1946, in Bath, Maine, Peg was the cherished daughter of the late John and Margaret (Shannon) Kelliher. She was the cherished sister of the late Maureen Kirslis and John Kelliher, Jr., and Richard Kelliher of West Warwick, RI. Peg's life was a testament to the power of devotion and love of family, touching the lives of all who knew her. Peg was the beloved wife of the late William "Bill" P. Sweeney II, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories. The two met while working at Purity Supreme in South Boston and married in 1968. Together, they raised a family that was the center of Peg's world. She was a loving mother to William Sweeney III and his wife Marianne of Braintree, Sean Sweeney and his wife Melissa of Braintree, Brian Sweeney and his wife Kristen of South Windsor, CT, Margaret Krippendorf and her husband Edward of Braintree, Ethel "Re-re" Dawley and her husband Christopher of Braintree, and Kevin Sweeney and his wife Lauren of Braintree. Her role as a mother was one she cherished deeply, and her guidance and support will forever be a part of her children's lives.
As a devoted and much loved "Mimi" and "Grammie," Peg's legacy extends to her 16 adored grandchildren: Megan, Abby, and Lizzie Sweeney; Liam and Kate Sweeney; Daniel, Ryan, and David Sweeney; Maggie, Eddie, and Sean Krippendorf; Shannon and Jimmy Dawley; and Kevin Barry, William, and Patrick Sweeney. They were what made her most happy. She was always sure to attend each of their sporting and dance events, birthday celebrations and school functions. Each of her grandchildren were convinced that they were her favorite as she delighted in each of their accomplishments and milestones. Peg's commitment to education was evident throughout her life. She graduated from Mount Saint Joseph's Academy in Brighton in 1964 going on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Boston State College in 1968 and a Master of Education in Guidance from Bridgewater State College in 1980. Peg exemplified the belief that learning is a journey that never truly ends. Peg began her professional career as an Elementary School Teacher in the Weymouth Public Schools in 1968. She then took time off to raise her six children, later returning to work as a bank teller in Braintree and Quincy. She could not escape her true calling and returned to teaching in 2002, first at St. Augustine's Catholic School in South Boston and then at the Martin E. Young Elementary School in Randolph. She retired from the Young School after more than 10 years of imparting knowledge and core values to countless young students. Peg truly believed in the potential of every child she taught throughout the years. Peg was dedicated to her community and was constantly involved in a variety of youth activities not only with her children but with her nieces and nephews as well. She coached youth sports including basketball and softball, helped her kids practice (even if she didn't know how to play the particular sport) and never missed one of her children's games – no matter the season. She was constantly carting her children, her nieces and nephews, and any other neighborhood kid who needed it, to every baseball, soccer, football and basketball practice and game all over the South Shore. There was no telling who might be in the way back of her brown station wagon. A deeply religious woman, Peg taught CCD which she renamed "candy, cupcakes and drinks" in order to entice neighborhood kids to ensure they learned about their Catholic faith. In retirement, Peg's greatest joy was her daily school pickups at Liberty School and South Middle School in Braintree. She made a point to be out in front of the schools each day for anyone who wanted a ride. Her identifiable white minivan was packed with her grandkids and neighborhood friends laughing and telling silly stories as "Mimi" provided rides and snacks. Peg and her husband Bill loved to travel, especially with their children and later grandchildren to Disneyworld, Hawaii, Ireland, and Storyland. After her husband's passing, Mimi was sure to continue her family travels including annual trips with all her kids and grandchildren. Each August the family traveled to Hampton Beach where Mimi was sure to have endless rolls of quarters for the arcade. In the summer months, Mimi's pool became the neighborhood hangout. At any given time, groups of kids and adults could be found in her backyard eating, drinking, swimming and sliding down the blue slide. She stocked her upstairs with cookout food and treats for whoever happened to stop by to swim.
Peg was described by friends and family as a strong Irish woman known to be a "tough old bird." Her impact on the world was profound and will be felt for generations to come. Her unwavering support and love for her kids and grandchildren, her dedication to her family and students, and her generous nature are the hallmarks of her remarkable life.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours Sunday, January 12th from 2:00-7:00 PM in the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington Street, Braintree. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 13th at 10:30 AM in Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 856 Washington Street, Braintree. Burial to follow in Blue Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.