Betty J. Sweeney

Betty Sweeney, 83, of Toledo, passed away on Friday, September 16, 2011. She was born in Toledo, on June 14, 1928 to Ralph and Elizabeth Toland. She was a survivor and thriver. Born during the depression Betty was placed along with three of her siblings in the Lucas County Children's Home. Her oldest brother did not join them. She was eventually taken in by the William B. Saxbe family of Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Betty was deeply committed to her family and her profession of nursing. In 1955, she was awarded the Marguerite d'Youville award, the highest honor bestowed upon nursing graduates from the Grey Nuns at St. Vincent School of Nursing. Having a special call to teach and being the consummate caregiver, Betty was a nursing instructor at St V's for nearly 40 years. She was recognized as a strict teacher, but having taught her students to treat patients with the highest degree of compassion and professionalism. Betty was constantly serving the needs of others right up until her last days. She was a woman of great impact. Betty, "The Big Kahuna", made a difference beyond her nursing duties. Having been a two time breast cancer survivor, She volunteered for the Reach for Recovery program thru the American Cancer Society, was instrumental in bringing the guide dogs for the handicapped to Toledo, served on the Lucas County Citizens Advisory Committee, and closest to her heart was the role she played as the long-time president of the St. V's School of Nursing Alumni Association. Even though she grew up separated from her own parents and siblings, Betty had an unwavering sense of family. She spent her life deeply devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren, her greatest pride and joy. She was always ready for a good party and never met a stranger. She will be dearly missed by her children, Doug (Denise) Sweeney, Joe (Susan ) Sweeney, Sheila Sweeney Lopez and daughter-in-law, Wendy Carlile; grandchildren, Shane, Jacklyn, Brianna, Jane and Connor; brother, Donald Toland and sister, Margaret Leupp; brother-in-law, Mark (Ruthanne) Sweeney and sisters-in-law, Judy (Hugh) Tobin, Barb Roland and Rosie Toland. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph; her brothers, Ralph Toland and Gilbert Roland. Friends are invited to visit from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, in Corpus Christi Parish. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. V's School of Nursing Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. A special thank you to all her caregivers at the end of her life, especially Hospice of Northwest Ohio on Detroit Avenue. With your love, she was able to die with great dignity. She leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, laughter, service to others, a strong work ethic and an unbelievable inner strength. She will be deeply missed.

Betty J. Sweeney

June 14, 1928 - September 16, 2011