Theresa Sweeney

Theresa Catherine McKeen Sweeney, 94, died on Monday, December 23, 2024, in Plano, Texas.  The oldest of three children, Theresa was born in New York City on September 22, 1930, to Austin F. McKeen and Katherine Maloney McKeen, of County Clare, Ireland.

She attended St. Joan of Arc Grammar School in Jackson Heights, New York, and Dominican Academy College Preparatory School for Girls in New York City. Theresa also attended the Berkely School before working as a secretary for Walter D. Fletcher, senior partner at the New York City law firm Davis Polk.

Theresa married John F. Sweeney on April 24, 1954, in New York City and became a U.S. Navy wife, traveling throughout the United States for 20 years.

Theresa earned her BS in Education at Mundelein College, Loyola University Chicago and her master’s in interdisciplinary studies at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Theresa taught elementary school in Illinois for 8 years and was a Technical Writer for Rockwell International in Dallas, Texas for 10 years.

Theresa especially loved Christmas, family celebrations and researching her Irish heritage.  Theresa enjoyed opera and book club with her friends. She was an avid reader, had an incredible ability to recall historical facts. She was always learning and sharing stories and information. She is already missed.

Theresa is survived by six children: Susan Pressler (Jim), Brendan Sweeney (Donna), Dennis Sweeney (Sandy), John Sweeney (Beverly), Austin Sweeney, James Sweeney (Tracy); nine grandchildren: Ted Pressler (Sarah), Kat Pressler, Hannah Zeeb (James), Madeline Antonelli (Nick), Shannon Yoder (Benjamin), Madison Sweeney, Connor Sweeney, James Sweeney and Clare Sweeney; two step-grandchildren: Haley Hall and Travis Hall; three great-grandchildren: Nora Zeeb, Lyla Pressler, and Brigid Yoder.