Irene Rita

(Doherty) Sweeney

Irene passed away unexpectedly on Friday evening August 12 ^th after experiencing a recent and sudden decline of health. She was receiving supportive care at the Lighthouse nursing and rehabilitation center in Revere over the past few weeks and at the time of her passing. Irene had recently celebrated her 95 ^th birthday on August 8 ^th .  Born and raised in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, she was the only child of the late Joseph and Mary (O'Shea) Doherty.  She received her early education in Boston and for a time considered and pursued religious life joining a convent and studying as a young novice; she later chose to return to secular life before professing her solemn vows.  As a young lady Irene began her career working with NE Tel & Tel Co. as a telephone operator, a job she continued for nearly 43 years.  She married George F. Sweeney in the mid-fifties and together they settled in Chelsea, sadly shortly thereafter Irene found herself a young widow after the sudden and unexpected passing of beloved husband.  She never remarried but found love and companionship with Richard L. Thorner.  Irene continued her life's work raising her son Paul J Sweeney while still employed with the phone company throughout their many changes.  When turning 65 she retired from AT&T.  For the next 20 years she was a familiar person and presence at St Rose Rectory Office where she volunteered her services.  In her lifetime Irene loved animals and her home was always a welcome space for various species of pets from birds to hamsters, coexisting with her favorite feline friends.  She enjoyed good times, good friends, she always had a smile for all and she enjoyed life on the move.  She was a longtime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and VFW Ladies Aux.  In addition to her parents and husband George, in 2001' Irene was also preceded in death by her longtime loving companion Richard L. Thorner.  She was the devoted mother of Paul J. Sweeney of Chelsea and beloved mother-in-law of Lynne Barry of Chelsea.  Cherished grandmother of Kyleigh and Patrick Sweeney both at home in Chelsea and she is also survived by her dear cat "Bailey".

Arrangements; Her Funeral will begin from the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home 718 Broadway CHELSEA on Friday August 19 ^th , at 10:00 A.M.  Followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial in St. Michael the Archangel Chapel (Soldiers Home), 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea.  Services will conclude with Interment at Mount Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Welsh Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 - 8 P.M. Funeral Home fully handicap accessible, ample parking opposite Funeral Home.

DONATIONS; Should friends desire, contributions in Irene's memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem MA 01970.