Mary Colleen (McGiff) Sweeney went to be with our Lord, reuniting with her beloved husband Donny on Friday October 18, 2024.  She was 75.  Mary was affectionately known to her Irish family, friends and many colleagues as Colleen.  Born in Oswego, NY on May 5, 1949, Colleen was the eldest of four children to her loving parents, the late James and Mary (Driscoll) McGiff.

In her early years, Colleen was raised in the family home on Tallman Street, attending St. John's Parochial School.  She attended Oswego Catholic High School but ultimately graduated from the Oswego High School as part of the Class of 1967.

Colleen was a Renaissance woman of sorts, tackling several varied career paths. First, while still in high school, she worked at the HL Green's department store located at West First and Bridge Street.  Later, she was employed at SUNY Oswego as a secretary of the German Language & Culture Department.

Serendipity struck when Colleen met the love of her life, Donald V. Sweeney, Jr.  At only 19 years old, Colleen was swept off her feet by Donny and they were engaged a month later.  They married on May 2, 1970 at her family parish, St. John's Church.

Once in their new home together, Colleen and Donny enjoyed arranging a variety of family gatherings including cookouts, swimming and the occasional block party.  Summer gatherings were popular at her parents' country farm in Scriba, NY.

After her children were raised, Colleen worked at Jamesway.  Once that closed, Colleen ventured to what she always said was her favorite job: secretary for the landmark Richardson-Bates House Museum, headquarters of the Oswego County Historical Society.  While there, she thoroughly enjoyed greeting hundreds of tourists, working with volunteers, and assisting in the organization of annual fundraisers.  She gladly supported the need of a non-profit organization and understood the value of giving back to her community.

Later, Colleen served on the Parish Council for St. Paul's Church as a devoted Catholic.  She enjoyed collecting antiques and especially loved quilting with friends.

Colleen is survived by her loving children, Brian P. Sweeney of Cape Coral, FL, Amy K. Sweeney and Adam D. Sweeney of Oswego, all of whom were present when she passed. In addition, she is survived by her brother James (Eileen) McGiff, sisters Susan (Steve, Jr.) Gioia and Julie (James) Porter, all of Oswego, nieces and nephews Christina (Jeff) Chamberlain, Peter (Heidi) Sweeney, Michael Sweeney, Jessica (Nat) Drapiza, Matthew (Jessica) McGiff, Stephen Gioia, lll, Stacey Gioia as well as Justin Douglas White, a nephew and godson, along with great-nieces and nephews Jacob Sweeney, Abigail Chamberlain, Henry Sweeney, Zachary Chamberlain, Griffin Drapiza, Madaline Drapiza, and James McGiff.

She was predeceased by her parents, and sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Sandra (Sweeney) White, her husband Dave, Peter Sweeney and his wife Angela.

Lastly, Colleen's legacy will live on with the luck of her Irish heritage.

"May good luck be a friend in all you do and trouble be a stranger to you."

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 Monday, October 28th, in Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Oswego.

Burial will be in St. Paul's Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 Sunday, October 27, at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Oswego.