Wethersfield Obituary: Florence Sweeney, 94

Florence M. Sweeney 94, of Farmington, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2017.

She was born in 1922 in Buffalo, NY to the late Dr. Charles and Florence “Durnein” Hoffman. She grew up in historic Old Wethersfield, right around the corner from a boy named Owen, who would eventually become her husband. She left home to attend college at St Regis in Weston, MA where she earned her BS.

She and Owen remained friends and after he returned from his service in the South Pacific in WW2, they were married in 1945. They had five children, Catherine, Owen Joseph, Clare, Patrick and Sarah. In the early 1960s she became a single mother. Florence began teaching in the Cromwell school district to support her family. Ever dedicated to her children, she earned a master’s degree to earn a higher pay in the early 1970s – often clearing the table of the meal she had just prepared to accommodate her nightly studies.

She retired in the early 1980s and moved to Cape Cod, where she lived for 14 years. In the late 1990s she returned to her home state of CT to live with her family in a house that she and her daughter bought. She indulged herself in books, with Buster – the hobo cat from the hedges – perpetually keeping her company nearby. She spent her last months at Avon Health Center where they could attend to her increasing need for medical care.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Clare Anne. She is survived by her daughter Catherine, her sons, Owen and Patrick, her daughter Sarah and her younger sister Carol Devanney.

She is also survived by stories of her indomitable wit, impressive intellect and sharp humor. Equal parts cantankerous and compassionate, she was known to counter dismissive condescension with a defiant “I have my Masters, you know!” but could also tenderly dispense motherly advice and tell warm stories about growing up with her family. She was a gifted storyteller, as well as an avid collector of antiques. She enjoyed solitude, where she would read enthusiastically, watch public television and remain politically informed. And yes, Mom – we will remember Momma.

Funeral service will be held privately at the convenience of the family.