Frances E. (Burns) McSweeney, 80, wife of R. Terence McSweeney, of Diane Circle, Groveland and  longtime of Payne St., Ipswich, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 in the Anna Jaques Hospital, Newburyport following her brief illness.

Born in Brattleboro, VT November 4, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Francis C. and Mary (Doyle) Burns. Raised in Brattleboro she was a 1945 graduate of St. Michaels High School in Brattleboro and attended LaSalle Jr. College in Newton. As a young woman she was employed as a buyer   for Houghton Simon Dept. Store in Brattleboro where she worked until her marriage in 1951. The McSweeneys lived Washington, DC, Chicago, Indianapolis and in Deleware before moving to Ipswich 1963. . After a brief stay in California in the mid 1980s, the McSweeney’s retired to North Carolina before returning to Massachusetts in December of 2005.  Mrs. McSweeney was a former communicant of St. Joseph Church in Ipswich where she was a member of the Catholic Womans Club. She also had been a volunteer with Caldwell Nursing Home Auxilliary in Ipswich, a member of the Pinewild Country Club in Pinehurst, NC where she served on their Board of Governors and was a currently communicant of St. Marys Church in Georgetown.

She was an avid golfer, enjoying all sports, and faithfully followed the Red Sox and Patriots.

In addition to her husband of fifty-seven years she is survived by a son, R. Michael McSweeney and his wife Nancy Ziemlak of Reading; four daughters, Deedie Beidler and her husband Gary of Magnolia, Ellin McSweeney and Patricia McSweeney both of Newburyport, Susan McFayden and her husband Jody of Ajax, Ontario; five grandchildren, Brian Mc Sweeney of Reading, Allison Brouillette of S. Boston, T/Sgt Jason Brouillette USAF serving overseas, Jessica McFayden and Michael McFayden both of Ajax, Ont.; a great grandchild, Brendon Brouillette of Georgia and many nephews and nieces. She was the sister of the late Rosemary White formerly of Westwood.

Her funeral was held Wednesday Febuary 6, 2008 at 10 am from the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 11 am in St. Mary's Church, Andover  St., Georgetown. Retired priest Rev. Wendell Verrill, former associate at St. Joseph Church, Ipswich, was the celebrant. Organist Chandler Noyes and soloist Richard Murphy performed selections including Amazing Grace, Be Not Afraid and On Eagles Wings.  Readings by daughter Susan McFayden were the Old Testament from the Book of Wisdom 3:1-6,9 and the New Testament  from the Book of Revelation 14:13. Altar gifts were offered by granddaughter Jessica McFayden and grandson Michael McFayden. Serving as honorary bearers were granddaughter in law Jodi Brouillette, great grandson, Brendon Brouillette, granddaughters Allison Brouillette and Jessica McFayden and grandsons Brian McSweeney and Michael McFayden.  A private burial of her remains will be held at a later date. A memorial reception followed with a catered lunch at the Gould Barn in Topsfield. Visiting hours were Tuesday February 5 from 4 to 8 pm.

 Memorial contributions in her name may be made to a charity of ones choice.