Mary Louise Sweeney, 84, of Yardley, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025. Born in Princeton, NJ, in 1940 to the late Mary (O’Kane) and Harry Kahny, Mary Lou was the youngest of the six Kahny sisters. She attended Douglas College and earned a master’s degree from the Rutgers School of Social Work in 1967.
Mary Lou dedicated her career to advocating for children through her role with New Jersey’s Division of Youth and Family Services. She spent over 40 years as a social worker, rising to become a regional supervisor and leader in foster care and adoption services. Her innovative programs helped to place children who were once considered “hard to adopt”—such as large sibling groups, older children, and those with physical or intellectual disabilities—into loving homes. Her calm, steady leadership and commitment to doing what is right earned her the admiration of her colleagues and the honor of being named a National Angel in Adoption, recognizing her profound impact on the lives of children and families in New Jersey and beyond.
Mary Lou’s professional journey also led her to meet her husband, Edward Joseph Sweeney III, with whom she shared a loving marriage for over 50 years. They were married in 1974, and Ed brought two children from his previous marriage, Kelly Sweeney and the late Eddie Sweeney, into their lives. In 1983, Mary Lou and Ed welcomed their daughter Meghan into their family. Mary Lou and Ed enjoyed a rich life together, often playing tennis, skiing, and hosting gatherings for family and friends.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary Lou was known for her love of cooking and baking. Her cookies and cakes, made from scratch, were always a favorite among friends and family, and they never lasted long when served. Above all, Mary Lou was a devoted mother. She cherished every moment of motherhood, and her family was the center of her world. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support shaped the lives of those she loved.
Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents Mary and Harry Kahny, sisters Helen Haydon, Margaret Kahny, Rosemary McNally, Jean Wood, and stepson Eddie Sweeney. She is survived by her husband Edward Sweeney, sister Carol Kahny, daughter Meghan Harrison, son-in-law Bucky Harrison, stepdaughter Kelly Sweeney, granddaughter Ava Harrison, and grandsons Liam Harrison and Robert LeFevre.
A viewing will be held on Saturday January 18 from 9:30 –10:30 am with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am at Saint Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church, 7 Sharpley Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810. Burial will follow at Lawn Croft Cemetery in Marcus Hook, PA immediately following mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s foundation atwww.alz.org.
