Rosemarie Sweaney

In Loving Memory of Rosemarie Sweaney

Rosemarie Sweaney was born on September 29, 1936, in Manhattan, New York, and peacefully passed away surrounded by family at the age of 88. She was lovingly known as “Grandma Rose” to her family and “Rosie” to her close friends. Rosemarie was a bright and determined young woman who graduated from high school at the age of 16, an early testament to her intelligence and drive. She even embarked on a brief career in government service following her graduation. Yet it was love, family, and faith that would truly shape the course of her life.

Rosemarie’s story truly began on a serendipitous blind date, where she met Elijah (Ed) Sweaney, Jr. The two fell deeply in love and went on to share more than forty years of marriage and joyful companionship. Ed, whom the grandchildren affectionately called “Big Daddy,” remained her devoted partner, and together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and faith. Their marriage took them from the East Coast to Virginia and even to Japan during Ed’s military career, and eventually they settled in Universal City, Texas. It was there that Rosemarie devoted herself to raising their three children, pouring her boundless love and strength into their upbringing. Her love was best expressed through her great cooking, and she made all family gatherings and meals special. Those gathering included the celebration of many birthdays for not only her children but also her grandchildren. Christmas too was a very special time at Grandma Roses’, and the entire family gathered at the family home annually on Christmas Eve for more than 40 years.

After Ed’s passing nearly twenty years ago, Rosemarie remained in the family home they had shared for almost six decades. Even in widowhood, she filled that home with warmth, laughter, and the memories of a life lived in love. In early 2024, Rosemarie moved to The Brooks of Cibolo, where her gentle spirit quickly made new friends and brightened the lives of those around her. Though she was settling into a new phase of life, she always stayed connected with the many old friends who remained dear to her heart.

Rosemarie was a woman of devoted faith. At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (OLPH) in Selma, Texas, she found a community that brought her great joy. Her involvement in church missions and community activities was a source of pride and happiness, and she cultivated friendships that would last a lifetime through these good works. Her warm presence and dedication at parish events were a testament to a life guided by faith and a love of God.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses, six beloved grandchildren, and three adoring great-grandchildren. Rosemarie’s family always found comfort in how dearly she loved them and, in the knowledge that her legacy of love, faith, and devotion endures in each of their lives. They also take peace in imagining that she is now happily reunited with Ed, “Big Daddy,” watching over them together.

Rosemarie’s gentle wisdom and warm smile will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family, friends, and the community she served will remember her story of love and devotion for generations to come. In honoring Rosemarie’s memory, we celebrate a life well-lived and the beautiful example she set through a lifetime of caring for others. In that spirit of caring, the family asks that donations sent in lieu of flowers be made to one of the many missions at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (OLPH) that Rosemarie served on during her life. Two in particular that Rosemarie was passionate about are the OLPH – Bereavement Mission and the OLPH – St Vincent DePaul Mission. The Bereavement Mission coordinates a luncheon gathering at the Church for family and friends following the funeral of a loved one, while the St. Vincent DePaul Mission provides food and other assistance for those in need within the local area.

Visitation and Funeral Services

All who wish to pay their respects are invited to join Rosemarie’s family:

· Visitation and Rosary: Thursday, May 29 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schertz Funeral Home, Schertz, TX

· Rosary: Thursday, May 29 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Schertz Funeral Home, Schertz, TX

· Funeral Mass: Friday, May 30 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (OLPH), Selma, TX.

· Burial: Immediately following the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, San Antonio, TX.

· Luncheon Reception: Immediately following the burial, back at OLPH.

May Rosemarie’s soul rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.