Margaret E. Sweeney

Margaret EIizabeth (Peg) Sweeney, 92 years of age, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 14, 2022.

Peg was a longtime resident of both Bogota, NJ and Elmhurst, Queens where she was a faithful parishioner of St Joseph’s Church and St Adalbert’s Church, respectively.

“Little Peggy Sweeney” made her radio singing debut when she was just 4 years old and her love of song lasted throughout her lifetime. Until her dying day, Peg had a tune on the tip of her tongue and a shoulder shimmy to match.

Peg was born in Trenton, NJ on April 1, 1930, the fifth of eight children to Katherine and Edward Sweeney, home-maker and baker. Not long after, the close-knit family moved to New York City to seek a better life. Although Peg and family endured many challenges, their love persevered. Peg was a brilliant student who ultimately found much success at the prestigious Assisium Business School where she earned the General Excellence Medal. Her expertise led her to a successful career at RKO Pathe Studios and then as an assistant in top notch law firms including a stint in Washington DC supporting the Kennedy Administration. 

Peg had a huge heart that overflowed with kindness.  She was always available to lend a helping hand, give a word of encouragement, or take action to right a wrong. This kindness was extended to everyone she knew - close friends, family and most endearingly to the children in her life.

Eventually, Peg found her true calling as an elementary school teacher. She earned her BA in Education at Fordham University and in due time landed at P.S. 95 in the Bronx where she enjoyed a long career. After attaining her Masters Degree in Administration, she served as Vice Principal for a while before returning to the classroom where both she and her students flourished. She was absolutely passionate about teaching and helping her students to shine in the world.

Show biz was always in Peg’s blood.  She developed elaborate productions with her students that rivaled some Off-Broadway shows and thrilled the entire school. To the delight of her nieces and nephews, she orchestrated hundreds of scenarios, songs, and games that rendered the title of “silly aunt” in addition to “profound aunt” because of her deep sensitivity, care, and wisdom. Peg had a keen desire to share her sense of culture, resulting in many family trips to Broadway shows, the ballet, restaurants as well as book and magazine recommendations. Although sometimes conservative in her opinions, she had an expansive mind that helped expose her family to new ways of thinking and existing in the world.

Travel played an important role in Peg’s life whether it was a trip to Europe or a quick jaunt to the local Dairy Queen. She made every outing an adventure. Her frequent rounds to visit family were always met with a gang of kids running to her car while enthusiastically shouting, “Peg’s here!”

Family was everything to Peg. In her retirement, she became an historian of sorts – keeping family records and self-publishing several books that ranged from depicting the lives of her parents to writing her perspective on the life they shared. She was devoted to her brothers and sister and their children - “her children,” as well as to her long-time friend, Helen.

We are eternally grateful to our beloved Peg for all the joy and love that she brought to our lives. She inspired all of us to be better people. Her beautiful spirit will live in us forever. Words can not possibly describe how deeply she will be missed.

Peg is predeceased by her parents, Katherine and Edward Sweeney; brothers, John, Francis, Bernard, Thomas and Donald; and sister, Catherine Edna. She is survived by her sister Marie June Fitzgerald of Bogota, her long-time friend Helen Bartell of Elmhurst and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, December 19th at 10am at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Bogota. A viewing will be held at Petrik’s Funeral Home in Bogota on Sunday, December 18th from 2pm-6pm.

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