Marilyn A. Sweeney (Thomson), beloved mother, friend, and grandmother died on April 10, 2021 from cancer and its complications. She was 85.
A native of Dorchester, Marilyn left the city after attending Fisher Junior College to marry her late husband, Robert “Red” Sweeney in 1956. In her early years she enjoyed being a secretary and later, after the kids were in school, driving her bus #10 route in Acton. For all who knew her, her greatest love was being a mom to her 7 children, and then by extension, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, and anyone else who had the great fortune of walking through her front door.
She and Red began their lives in 1956 in Acton before moving to Boxborough in 1967 to the home that her late daughter-in-law, Amy, fondly dubbed "The Ponderosa." It was there that she raised her family, hosting everything from historic graduation parties, weddings, and Christmases for decades to come. A long time member of the Acton-Boxborough community, she loved the town and walks down her infamously long driveway dearly.
Inevitably through all of her kids’ myriad activities, she became a lifelong sports fan. Marilyn supported all athletic endeavors; from the professional ones her son Bob granted her watching him play for the Boston Bruins, figure skating competitions, horseback riding, tennis, high school football games, to the family yoga sessions led by her daughters, she never missed a beat. You could find her every Sunday at The Ponderosa watching the New England Patriots play (as well as Tom Brady, wherever he went) with her family and beloved dog, Duke.
She was known by Marilyn to many, Mrs. Sweeney or “Momma Celeste” to some, and eventually, Nana to most. Anyone who entered her orbit became extended family; her love and affection, though oftentimes sarcastic, truly knew no bounds. A truly legendary sense of humor earned her countless friendships and community bonds throughout her 85 years. She loved classic films like Easter Parade as much as slasher movies like Silence of the Lambs. Just like her taste in cinema, her hobbies were wide and varied. Nothing brought her joy like her Thai Chi and swim sessions at the gym, and while she didn’t care much for cooking, she learned that she loved when her kids cooked for her.
Mrs. Sweeney was the daughter of Anna Thomson and Robert Thomson of Dorchester. Predeceased by her husband, Robert, she leaves her daughters Cheryl Satryb, of Dracut and her husband Robert, Theresa Sweeney-Krystof of North Conway and her husband, Richard Krystof, Patricia Sweeney of Maynard and her husband Jeff Herd. Jacqueline Sweeney of Waltham and her husband Paul Nelson, and Rose Perkins of Lancaster and her husband Tod; her sons Michael Sweeney of Boxborough and his late wife Amy, and Robert Sweeney Jr. of North Andover and his wife Angela; her brothers Robert and Kevin Thomson; and her grandchildren, Tammie Carr, Stefanie Karpinski and Robert Satryb, Kayla and Shannon Perkins, Ryan, Patrick, Connor, Anna, and Jack Sweeney; and her great-grandchildren Gregory and Chad Carr, and Ryan and Skylar Karpinski, whom she loved more than anything. She is remembered by countless friends and extended family who loved her deeply. All who knew her were better for it.
Due to pandemic restrictions, attendance at the funeral is private. However extended family and friends are welcome to watch the service on Saturday, April 17th at 10:00AM via the Tribucast internet live stream at the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/82288431
At her request, please wear whatever you like, remembering her favorite color was cranberry. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson to help find a cure for her two children battling this disease. Donations may be made online at michaeljfox.org.
For more information or to send an online condolence please visit www.actonfuneralhome.com/.