Sheila M. (Cotty) Sweeney, age eighty five, of Middleboro, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on Tuesday, August twenty seventh. She was the daughter of the late Paul F. Cotty, Sr. and Gertrude (Sullivan) Cotty of Pembroke. She was also the sister of the late Paul F. Cotty, Jr. of Pembroke.

Predeceased by her son, Timothy M. Sweeney, of Keene, New Hampshire, Sheila is survived by her husband of fifty two years, Michael W. Sweeney of Middleboro, daughter Tara (Sweeney) Lorenz and husband Eric of Plympton, daughter-in-law Marybeth Sweeney of Keene, New Hampshire, grandsons Ronan and Finn Sweeney of Keene, New Hampshire and granddaughters Avery and Aubrey Lorenz of Plympton, as well as many other wonderful relatives, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Sheila was in the first graduating class at Sacred Heart High School in Kingston and entered religious life shortly thereafter with the Sisters of Divine Providence, taking the name Sister Therese. She taught elementary grades at St. Bridget Parish in Abington as well as other local parishes for over twelve years.

Wanting to pursue a career in nursing, Sheila left religious life and enrolled in nursing school at Carney Hospital in Dorchester, receiving her RN in 1971. She worked at Plymouth County Hospital in Hanson and Quincy City Hospital.

After her marriage in 1972, Sheila moved to Halifax with her husband and together raised their two children, Tim and Tara. When they entered school a few years later, Sheila went to work at the Pilgrim Area Collaborative, an organization dedicated to children with special needs in public school in the South Shore area.

For almost 25 years she devoted herself as head nurse to the many children in her charge, loving and caring for each one, and was genuinely beloved in return. During this time, she pursued further education receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bridgewater State.

In 1999, Sheila moved with her husband to Oak Point, where she became an active member of the community, joining the golf league and wine club. She enjoyed travels with her husband and dear friends to Europe, the Caribbean, and throughout the US. She especially enjoyed gathering with a group of women at Oak Point for Mah Jongg, lunches and travel. They joyfully called themselves "The Magnificent Seven"! September of this year would mark 25 years at Oak Point. Sheila often said the move to Oak Point and the years with friends there were some of the best times in her life.

Sheila was a special woman–kind, generous, caring, witty, and loved by all who knew her. She will be truly missed.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, September 7th in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 17 Main Street (Route 105), Lakeville, MA 02347 from 12:00 PM-2:30 PM followed by a memorial service at 2:30 PM.

Following services, a collation will be held at 3:30 PM at Boston Tavern, 58 East Grove Street, Middleboro, MA 02346.

*In Lieu of flowers, donations by check may be made to:

Cranberry Hospice

36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326

Plymouth, MA 02360.