Jean Sweeney, died October 28, 2021 in Portland, Oregon, just shy of her 92nd birthday.
Jean was born in Washington DC November 14, 1929 to H.E (Steve) and Verna Brodie. She moved to Butte, Montana the summer before her Senior year in High School, graduating from Butte High.
She met and fell in love with a cute Butte sailor boy, Bill Sweeney, while he was home on leave from Guam. After they exchanged almost daily love letters, Bill was discharged from the Navy and they eloped, getting married by a JP at a gas station in Townsend, MT, on May 6, 1950.
Jean and Bill spent their lives in Miles City, MT. Jean was an amazing mom, and friend who never knew a stranger. Her kind, caring and unconditional love were well known throughout her family and communities.
During her younger years she could often be found at the Miles City swimming pool with her closest friend, Sue Connors and their children, along with a half dozen more from the neighborhood. She loved playing and watching tennis (her main squeeze, Nadal), Jeopardy, Portland Trailblazers and any event that one of her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren was participating in. On November 7, 2015, Jean and Bill relocated to Portland, Oregon where Jean again made so many new friends at her Senior Living apartment.
Jean and Bill were blessed with four children, Judy (Perry) Wolfe of Scobey, MT, Bill (Lana) Sweeney currently traveling Nomads, Joan (Dale) Hubber of Portland, OR, and Mark (Sue) Sweeney of Philipsburg, MT. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her dearest friend and sister-in-law, Darlene Brodie, numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, her BFF Jackie from Portland, and her second family, the Connors kids. Preceding her in death were her husband of 65 years, parents, brothers Steve and Buzz, and sisters Anita, Ruth and Joan.
A Celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 5, 2022 at the Calvary Cemetery in Miles City, MT where her and Bill’s ashes will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent De Paul in Miles City, MT., or to a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Sue Jens says
So sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers to the family. She was an awesome individual, don’t think she knew a stranger. She will definitely be missed by all. Love to you all & prayers again!!!
Cori Hanel Brubaker says
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
carolyn mathison says
she was sooooo much fun to play in our tennis group for many years!!!
Carolyn Kimball says
Lovely woman! Condolences to her loved ones.
Billie Goggin says
So sorry to hear this news! She was a treasure and the world is dimmer with the loss of her bright light. I send my most sincere condolences and prayers to her family.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
What a delightful lady~ Never a time she didn’t greet us with such love. She is now having a joyful reunion with so many family and friends.
I bet they are having quite the tennis tourney and I bet Basil is right there too!
Take care and may God bless you with cherished memories!
Denise and Jay Harvey
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
She and Bill were a GREAT couple. Two wonderful people. Our thoughts and Prayers to the Sweeney family.
Sally Hanel Cifala says
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a lovely lady. I remember her and Sue Connors so well, while growing up in Miles City. Jean was so kind and always had something nice to say, and always with a smile. Heaven certainly gained an angel. Sally (Hanel) and Frank Cifala
Kathy Connors says
As someone who married into the Connors family and was able to meet and know Jean in Miles City and then Portland, she increasingly felt like a mother figure to me. There was no “get to know you” in Jean….it was instant. Despite her amazingly wonderful and large family, she always remembered everyone else’s family as well. She was fun, humble, kind and wore her heart on her sleeve. I thank Jean for many wonderful conversations and for loving all of us so much.
John Connors says
I can’t find the words to express how much I love Jean and the entire Sweeney family. Our families have been friends for over 100 years – Irish immigrants and next door neighbors in Butte , Montana to one large extended family in MIles City. Jean was such a special human being. Jean would sit and talk with us when we were little kids – and always listen carefully to everything we had to say. She made you feel as if you were the most important thing in her life. After our mother died, Jean and Bill were the rock for our father Dan. Jean became the surrogate mom for all 7 Connors kids. Jean left such a beautiful legacy in her family. I am comforted to know she is in heaven and Bill is very happy – probably cracking some great jokes!
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Kevin Malley says
Sorry to hear this news. Bill and Jean were a couple of my most favorite people. I was just a Irish kid who seemed to fit in and I thank them for their kindness towards me. God Bless.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Sweeney Family, sending prayers for comfort during this time of grieving.
Cathi Morris Peila says
Jean was one of the “neighborhood moms” when we moved to Miles City. She and my mother and Sue (our next door neighbor) had at least a few cups of coffee together and I’m sure exchanged what was going on with the kid crowd. It continued even after some of us left, got married, had kids, came back……….. Lot of great memories for the whole neighborhood and Bill and Jean always welcomed any and all. To all the Sweeney family, prayers of peace and comfort.
Dean Holmes says
Special prayers to all the Sweeney family and friends.
Mary Ann Collins says
She was a special woman to all who knew and loved her. I knew that the moment I met her and instantly looked forward to the next time I would be able to see and visit with her. I know she is missed by so many but I also know she has found her peace with beloved husband and others who have gone before.
RIP dear lady.
Connie Revell says
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. She sounds like a truly wonderful woman who had a very nice life and terrific children. She leaves a fine legacy and great memories for all of you. You are in our thoughts.
Suzanne, Connie and Paul Revell
Ron & Ginny Hathaway says
Today is your birthday Jean, and we know your celebrating with Bill. 48 years ago we moved into our neighborhood and Bill and Jean became our family on the corner. Jean and Bill will always be part of our lives. Love you Jean! Rest In Peace. Ron & Ginny
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Jean was a very special lady. Sending prayers and condolences to all of her family.
Mary Anne Hathaway says
Dear SWEENEY FAMILY, I was so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Jean was such a beautiful lady both inside and out! I know she was very special to my mom and my brother and sister-in-law as they all lived on the same block for a time. I am quite sure they are all celebrating up in heaven with lots of laughter and love! Rest in peace Jean and my deepest sympathies to you all!
Kurt Cadlo says
I am so saddened and sorry to hear of your loss. She was one of the sweetest anyone could ever have the privilege of knowing. She had a heart of gold and will missed by all.
Bob Edwards says
Dear Sweeney family: The Edwards’ were privileged to be part of the old neighborhood around Sacred Heart church and school in the ’60’s and ’70’s. Jean was part of so many great memories and stories. Later, before she moved to Portland, her (and Bill’s) home was always a stop for those in my family any time we visited Miles City. We will all miss her smiling face, inquisitive mind, and especially her warmth and encouragement. Love to all
Connie Taylor says
Never did I see Jean without a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes! May God grant eternal rest upon her.
Tracy (Uden) Wamsley says
This just breaks my heart. Jean was always so good to me. Jen and I would go play tennis with her and Bill; always fun to be around them. She will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs
Heather (Brush) Binagia says
I have such fond memories of spending time with Jean and my grandma Mary and friends. She was so wonderfully kind, generous, and sharp with wit. I enjoyed getting to visit her when I got back to Miles City, and missed her since the move to Portland. The world is certainly a little less bright without her in it.