Obituary

Iris Jean Anne Sweeney

Anne Sweeney of Goodyear, Arizona went to her eternal rest on Friday, October 16th, while surrounded by her husband and children.

On May 28th, 1937, Anne was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Walker Curtner and Ruby Burrow. In 1954, she met and married the love of her life, William “Bill” Sweeney. Together they filled their home with the love of many children.

Anne had a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. One would never know what sort of thing she would do next. This spontaneity led her to greatness. She and Bill were Awarded the Great American Family Award, presented by Nancy Reagan in 1984. Anne was further honored at the America’s Awards in 1993.

As a wife of a US Marine, Anne enjoyed living and traveling across the globe. Her favorite place was the Philippines, where she served the children of Olongapo by starting a soup dinner for them. This eventually led to her founding The International Children’s Advocate and the Niños Pagasa School in Olangapo for children with disabilities. There she met her dearest friend Ariceli “Celi” Menor, who continues the work that Anne began.

Anne was preceded in death by her infant son, William Sweeney, and her brother, Thomas Hinchcliff. She is survived by her husband William and grandchildren Octavia and Quincy Jackson, of the home; her children, Timothy, Stephen, Kathleen, Bridget, Daniel, Andrew, Manon, Ian, Michael, and Saretta; twenty-six grandchildren; and great-grandchildren “. . . as innumerable as the stars”.

Services will be held at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield RD, Goodyear, AZ at 2:00PM.

Memorials can be sent to International Children’s Advocate, Inc. c/o Ariceli Menor, Zone 13, Mulawin Lane, Old Cabalan, Olongapo City, Philippines, 2200.