Catherine Sweeney

Catherine (McAdoo) Sweeney was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 27,1920. She was the second child born to the late Argen and Minnie McAdoo. She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Marietta Powell, and Ann Orr, and three brothers, Argen Jr., Nathaniel, and Robert McAdoo.  In 1999, her greatest loss was that of her beloved husband.

Catherine received her early education in the Cincinnati Public School System, where she graduated from Withrow High School. 

On April 10, 1941, Catherine married John Sweeney.  This union was blessed with two daughters, Brenda and Patti.  For 58 blissful years, Catherine and John shared love and a life of many rich experiences.

From her childhood to this day, Catherine has always been a true lover of God and has been a faithful Christian.  She accepted Christ and joined First Baptist Church in Walnut Hills, where she was a faithful and very active member for many years.  She truly enjoyed singing and serving in the senior choir. 

As time passed and following the death of her husband, Catherine transferred her membership to Allen Temple AME Church under the leadership of Rev. Donald H. Jordan, Sr.  She truly loved her new church, and found her niche serving on the Stewardess Board where she worked diligently until she could no longer work due to illness.  

Catherine balanced her busy life and work responsibilities with motherhood and employment at the Downtown Shillito’s and later at Lillian’s Dress Shop in Avondale.   After her girls graduated from college, she never lost the desire to obtain a college degree. First, she earned her Associate Degree, and later completed her B.S. Degree in Education, graduating from the University of Cincinnati. 

Working in the classroom with the children was a dream come true for Catherine.  She loved every moment of substitute teaching.  It was nothing to have one of her students run up to Mrs. Sweeney at the local grocery store or other sites to greet her and give her a big hug.  This warmed her heart and gave her encouragement to stay in there for as long as she was able.  After many years of teaching, she decided to retire and spend more time with her husband and family.

Catherine and John enjoyed traveling with the Ramblers Social Club and went on several bus tours as well as car trips all the way across countryto California and as far south as Florida. Home entertaining was one of the things they loved to do.  Family dinners, playing cards, backyard bar-b-que picnics, and family reunions were her favorites.  Friends and family could not stop in at the Sweeney’s without having refreshments and viewing family slides.  

In later years when John became ill and could no longer live in the home, Catherine was a devoted wife and was at his side daily until his passing.  They were inseparable for 58 years. 

Catherine was an active member of the Progressive Women’s Federated Club often hosting the club women on various social events.

Anyone that knew Catherine will agree that her greatest love was her family. She was truly a devoted and loving wife, and mother, a doting grandmother, and great grandmother, affectionately known as “Mimi” and a loving jazzy Sister, known as Sis.  Oh, how we will miss the family gatherings with Catherine asking, “who wants snacks?” and watching family slides.

About 12 years ago, Catherine moved to Mallard Cove, where she could always be seen wearing one of her fashionable sequined tams. Catherinelived there until her passing. 

Catherine departed this life Thursday, April 4, 2019 leaving to cherish her memory: daughters, Brenda Berry (Elton) and Patti Norman (Clem, deceased); six grandchildren, Derek LaVonn Berry (Roxanne), Michol Berry Brandon, Tammra Norman, Marla Berry, Tisha Norman and Torin Norman (deceased); Nine great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed. 

Once upon a memory,

Someone wiped away a tear,

Held me close and loved me.

Thank you,

Mother Dear,

Brenda and Patti

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