Obituary of Phyllis Mae Sweeney

Phyllis Mae Wixted Sweeney, 84, a life –long resident of Mechanicville, died peacefully on Monday June 12th, 2017 at Schuyler Ridge RHC Center in Clifton Park after a long illness.  She was born on November 19, 1932 in Troy, NY and was the daughter of the late Leonard and Geneva (Scott) Wixted.  She married the love of her life, the late James E. Sweeney on June 3, 1950.  Together they were one of the founding families of Corpus Christi Parish.  She was known for her hospitality, excellent cooking and baking.  She demonstrated a great devotion to the Blessed Mother especially in the raising of her family of nine children.  She loved babies and sewing, winning many awards for beautiful doll dresses made for the Salvation Army’s Christmas collections.  She showed courage, resilience, and strength through several serious illnesses choosing to live  life with joy and devotion to her family.  She had a 20 year career with the NYS Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.  She survived a brain aneurysm in 2005 through the care and skill of Dr. Alan Boulos and his staff at Albany Medical Center Neurosciences Institute. The family is very grateful for the gift of years,  allowing significant time to appreciate her wisdom and sense of humor.  She then lived with her daughter Geneva with support from the whole family, always welcoming extended family, friends & neighbors to share time together.

The family extends appreciation to the staff of Schuyler Ridge  RHC Center of Clifton Park.

Phyllis is the devoted mother of Mary (Arthur) Savoy, Geneva (the late Matthew) DiFiore, James (Bonnie) Sweeney, Jr., Patricia (Michael) Amador, Dennis Sweeney, Kathleen (the late Matthew) Coleman, Phyllis MacKenzie, John (Mary) Sweeney and Donna Sweeney;  sister of Ellen (Vincent) Fondano, Richard (Nancy) Wixted and the late Joan Folmsbee, Earle Wixted, Nancy McBride, Leonard Wixted, Jr. and Margaret Schmidt; also survived by 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be held Friday morning at 10:00 am from Corpus Christi Church in Ushers where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Calling hours will be from 4-7 pm Thursday in the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9 Clifton Park, NY  12065.

Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Mechanicville, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 610 West Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI  48162-7909