September 3, 2022

OBITUARY: Sister Patricia James Sweeney, SSJ

REGIONAL

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – Sister of St. Joseph Patricia James Sweeney (Ellen), member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield died in Bethany Health Care Center, Framingham, Mass., on Sept. 1. A native of Springfield, she was the daughter of James and Mary (Walsh) Sweeney.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from Holy Family Parish, Springfield in 1942. Her early education was at Holy Family Elementary School and she graduated from Cathedral High School, Springfield. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee, a master of arts degree from Boston College, and a doctoral degree from the University of Michigan.

She ministered in the Diocese of Springfield as a teacher at Sacred Heart School, Holyoke; St. Mary School, Northampton; St. Mary School, Westfield: and St. Joseph Central High School, Pittsfield. She was principal at St. Joseph High School, North Adams and Cathedral High School, Springfield. She served as teacher and as principal at St. Peter High School, and later St. Peter-Marian High School in the Diocese of Worcester, Mass.

She was very active in the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), serving as secretary and later as president of the Executive Committee of Secondary School Departments. As president of NCEA in 1987 she was chosen to address the late Pope St. John Paul II in New Orleans, La., on behalf of the Catholic secondary school teachers. She also conducted workshops for administrators in the United States and Canada, as well as serving as adjunct faculty member at the College of Our Lady of the Elms and the University of Dayton in Ohio. From 1993-2005 she served as administrator/director of congregational services at Mont Marie.

In addition to her sisters in community, she is survived by several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her siblings, Lillian Sweeney Lynch, Katherine Sweeney Tourtelotte, William Sweeney, John Sweeney, and Thomas Sweeney.

All services will take place at Blessed Sacrament Church, Northampton Street, Holyoke on Tuesday, Sept. 6. She will be waked at 9:15 a.m., with a prayer service at 9:45 a.m. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mont Marie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.