Jeanne Marie Alling Sweeny, 103, Died; Westport Library, Curio Cottage Volunteer

Jeanne Marie Alling Sweeny, known to most as Johnny, passed away on Mother's Day, May 8, 2022, at the age of 103.

Mrs. Sweeny was born February 1, 1919, to Leon and Jeanne Alling in New York, NY, and grew up in Plainfield, NJ. Always serious in whatever she did, she graduated at the top of her class at age 16 from the Miss Hartridge's School and then from the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School. She was employed by Arthur Andersen in New York until her engagement to Lieutenant Colonel Hugh B. "Jim" Sweeny, Jr. Married on June 3, 1942, she became a military wife, relocating, enduring the long absence of her husband and managing as mother of a newborn.

A devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Sweeny volunteered her time and energy to many causes. She taught Sunday School at Fanwood (NJ) Presbyterian Church and was a Cub Scout Den Mother for both her sons.

Mrs. Sweeny actively supported her husband in his position as National Program Director and National Conference Director for Junior Achievement(JA). Her relationships with many JA young people have endured until this day. In 2017, she was elected Board Member Emeritus of the Achievement Foundation in New York.

In the mid-1960's, she revived her career, working as the executive assistant to the founder of the Koos furniture chain where she broadened her finance and investment skills. She actively invested and managed her own accounts until she was well past 100 years young. She and her husband had an ongoing competition with their respective portfolios. Mrs. Sweeny's returns, more often than not, were better.

After moving to Westport, CT in the mid-1970's, she continued her community involvement, volunteering with many organizations including the Westport Women's Club's Curio Cottage for many years. Mrs. Sweeny channeled her love for books by volunteering with both the Westport and Easton libraries. She also enjoyed a lively (and very competitive) bridge game well into her 90's.

Mrs. Sweeny was predeceased by her husband of 74 years, Hugh B. "Jim" Sweeny, Jr., son David Alling Sweeny, and sister Patricia Alling Peterson. She is survived by her eldest son, Hugh B. Sweeny, III (Amy O'Donnell Sweeny) of Jersey City, NJ; daughter-in-law Andrea(Mooney)Sweeny of Venice, FL, step-grandson Jeffery Delauter (Claire) of Brooklyn, NY, nieces Laura Peterson Starrantino and Barbara Rice, nephews Carl Peterson (Andrea), John Peterson and Andrew Peterson(Debbie), and cousin Marian Bradley of Southport, CT, many great nieces and nephews, and special friends Carol and Paul Wolff of Trumbull, CT .

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, June 5, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 Cross Highway, Redding Center, CT 06875. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will be private at another date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Sweeny's memory to:

First Church of Christ, Congregational, P. O. Box 1055, Redding Center, CT 06875.
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Bridgeport Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 9057, Bridgeport, CT 06601