Lillian A. Sweeny

Lillian A. Sweeny, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at the remarkable age of 103. She was just 16 days shy of her 104 Birthday. Born on September 14, 1921, Lillian lived a life filled with compassion and kindness, touching the hearts of all who knew. Her warm and unwavering dedication to her family formed the core of her existence, as she cherished every moment spent alongside them.

Lillian had long been considered the matriarch of the family by her siblings, seven children, Seventeen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, many nieces & nephews. She was born on September 14, 1921, in West New York, New Jersey. In 1946, she married the love of her life Joseph W. Sweeny shortly after he returned from serving in the US Army overseas in WWII. Like many young couples in pursuit of housing after WWII they moved to Long Island and bought their first home which was a Levitt home in Westbury, NY. They were a happy young couple who loved to host neighborhood parties & always had plenty of great stories to tell about the silly and crazy things that occurred at their parties. Lillian raised her seven children in this home with her husband. For years, she stayed home raising her young family while her husband worked during the day and went to school at night to become an attorney. It was a long eight years but they made it work.

She always loved taking the kids to Jones Beach. In the early years, usually in August, she and her husband would pack up the kids and take their boat up the Hudson River through the locks to Lake Champlain for a few fun-filled weeks of swimming & fishing. Later she enjoyed spending time at their home in Montauk, where they took long walks on the beach collecting shells and beach glass. They also enjoyed bicycle riding, bird watching & spending time with friends and family. There was one anniversary, and most of their children were living on their own, her husband surprised her with matching motorcycles. They enjoyed long motorcycle rides together exploring the east end of Long Island.

After her husband's passing, Lillian moved into the Knolls of Melville, as did some of her old friends. The old friends and new friends created would often get together, they completely enjoyed time spent together and lovingly started calling themselves the "Flower Girls". Lillian loved to travel with her friends to interesting places, enjoyed going to plays and concerts. She traveled to Japan, China, Ireland and Costa Rica, where she zip-lined through the jungle on a dare from one of her son in-laws. Lillian's greatest joy in life were her grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

She was an inspiration to many, everyone wanted to be like Lil Sweeny, she had a healthy lifestyle, did things her way and was an unstoppable force. Her positive mindset carried her through a long and wonderful life. She often said that age is just a number, food is your best medicine, you can control everything with a positive mindset. Put it out of your mind and always keep moving your body.