07/18/2011

Emmy Lou Sweeney

July 16, 2011

OFDA received word Emmy Lou Sweeney, 99 of Amsterdam, died Saturday, July 16, 2011.  She was born September 26, 1911 in Pomeroy, Ohio the daughter of Charles H. Keehne and Blanche Enzenauer Keehne.

Mrs. Sweeney graduated from Pomeroy High School and Ohio University in Athens with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and Sigma Alpha Iota, National Honorary of Music Sorority, the University Choir and the Women’s Glee Club. She taught music in the public schools of Pomeroy and was a private piano and voice teacher in Amsterdam for more than 30 years.  She contributed her musical talents to the Amsterdam Presbyterian Church where she played the organ and directed the choir. Mrs. Sweeney was a member of the Music Study Club of Carrollton and was called upon as a soloist for many occasions in the area.  Mrs. Sweeney was a charter member and past president of the Jefferson Hills Garden Club where she received state wide recognition for her floral arrangements.  She was the past Matron of the Unionport Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star 360 and was the soloist for the Grand Chapter.

Mrs. Sweeney came to Amsterdam in the fall of 1936 when she married Paul M. Sweeney whom she met while they were students at Ohio University. Mr. Sweeney joined his family’s business upon his return to Amsterdam after completing his education and training. Mrs. Sweeney became an intrigal part of the funeral business and received her funeral directors license in 1957. She played an active role in both the Amsterdam and Carrollton funeral homes.

She loved to tend her flower gardens and she loved to travel. She was fortunate to be able to do both.

Mrs. Sweeney is preceeded in death by her husband, Paul and her three sisters, Margaret K. Davis of Athens, Ohio, Ruth K. Ebersbach of Roseland, N.J. and Helena K. Lietwiler of Bethesda, Md. She is survived by 3 children, Mary Lynne (John Irwin) of Brooklyn, NY, Ann (Sherman Kopelson, Dec.) of Randallstown, Md, and Dick (Linda) of Mansfield, Ohio; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. 

Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in Sweeney-Dodds Funeral Home of Amsterdam with Rev. Wesley George officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Cemetery in Carrollton. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2011 in the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, Ohio 43943; or the United Methodist Church of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Lending Library, both in Amsterdam, Ohio.