Linda Ellen (Mace) Sweeney

 

Linda grew up in Boston in the Mission Hill neighborhood. She was one of ten children and loved to tell stories of their adventures and misadventures as such a large family. It was in that very neighborhood that as a teenager she met her husband, John Sweeney. Linda and Johno eventually settled in Brockton, where they raised their two girls, Gail and Karen.

 

Linda had a long career at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and was well respected by many, holding several important roles. Linda was a Laboratory Specialist before moving into the technical arena, where she was an IT Lead Specialist, then Program Coordinator before retiring after almost 40 years. Six years ago, she decided to return to continue her important work and joined Bvari Research as a contractor. Linda was a critical member of a team whose work was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study was finalized a mere 2 weeks prior to her passing.

 

Linda was an avid reader and had a habit of getting lost in her books. Her favorite author was Stephen King and she was thrilled to go on a tour with her girls to his hometown and see where he got inspiration for many of her favorite books. Her love of books was also shared by her sisters and was apparent when they formed their own monthly book club. They would also go on to form their own craft club and sewing circle. One perk of having six sisters is that they are also the best of friends and loved to get together to share common interests, which they did often. She also loved fresh flowers and gardening, making homemade limoncello, watching Law & Order marathons, champagne brunch and evenings at the theater. Linda loved traveling and Block Island was her favorite landscape. She loved trying out new recipes and cooking for the family. Whether at an upscale restaurant or a local sports bar, she insisted on starting with appetizers and nibbles, and we playfully teased her about it every time we went out together as a family for a meal.

 

Linda was the most fun Nana. She loved nothing more than to spoil her grand and great-grandchildren. Never missing a game or recital, school play or choir performance. She beamed with pride as she watched each of them from the bleachers, field or auditorium. Our memories include her laughter, matching PJ’s, themed movie nights, the beach, camping and cookouts, amusement parks and cozy times just watching movies with popcorn.

 

Linda leaves behind her daughters and sons-in-law, Gail and Jeff Buote, and Karen and David Arrighi, all of Bridgewater; her grandchildren Michael and Amy Recupero, Christopher Hamblin, Jeffrey Buote, and Chloe Buote; as well as her great-grandchildren Trinity, John Michael and Emilia Rose. She also leaves behind her brothers James, Gerard and Thom Mace; her sister Maryellen Mace; and numerous nieces and nephews, all deeply loved by her.

 

In death she is reunited with her husband Johno; her parents Gerard and Frances (Woodward) Mace; her sisters Patricia Scannell, Nancy Kelly, Margaret Gramer, Madonna Lyons and Debra Butler; and, her nephews Danny Kelly and Joey Scannell.

 

Linda’s family would like to send heartfelt gratitude to the staff at both BMC and Old Colony Hospice. We are truly grateful for the compassion and care given.

 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you perform a generous and unexpected act of kindness in Linda’s name - spoil someone the way she generously spoiled her loved ones.

 

A private celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 4^th , details will be provided to family and friends.