Madeline Alice (Utter) Sweeney

After a long illness, Madeline Alice (Utter) Sweeney, age 73 of Hewitt, Texas passed away peacefully with her husband, Rick by her side at her home in Hewitt TX., December 4, 2021. Her wish was to be cremated and her ashes placed in the columbarium at the Ft Worth National Cemetery.  A Visitation and Memorial will be held at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Dr Waco, TX 76712.  Visitation at 2: 00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 12 December, 2021, with Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. Monday, 13 December,2021.

Madeline was born September 25, 1948 in Norwich NY to Marjorie Louise (Culbreth)and Dwayne Utter.  Her Dad was a concert pianist who played with the Benny Goodman Band on USO Tours during WWll.

After the death of her Dad, the family moved to Georgia to be close to her mother’s relatives.

Madeline grew up attending various Catholic Boarding Schools. She attended High School while at a Catholic Boarding School, in Washington, DC sponsored by President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy.  While attending High School she was able to take some classes at Georgetown University.  After High School she returned to Atlanta, GA where she worked at various professions, including a dental hygienist assistant and a secretarial job for Arthur Anderson.

She married Jim York and moved to Waco, TX where she was employed at Gordon Roundtree dealership.  There she was an accomplished Sales Person and the first woman to sell an automobile in Waco, TX. Madeline had the ability to sell anything from Automobiles to Mobile Homes. She never met a stranger which was one of her many strong attributes.

She married Richard (Rick) Leo Sweeney November 22, 1997, in Elk Texas, “ad eternum”. She was blessed with a compassionate heart and had a deep love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought her much love and happiness.  They were the center of her life besides “her Rick”.  Madeline enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling. On one of her many travels with Rick, was a trip to Scotland and Ireland, the “lands of her ancestors.” where she stayed at her family’s castle.  Madeline and Rick many adventures took them from Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Louisiana and a list of Cruises.  Her favorite experience on the cruises were the Formal Dinners and the sunrises and sunsets which brought her the most peace. Madeline was a “Glam” and “Sparkle” Lady and collected anything that sparkled which only accentuated her beauteous, captivating and fascinating personality.

After Rick’s retirement, they both became active with volunteer work with veteran organizations, including VFW Post 6008, in Hewitt, TX.  As a teenager, she was a “candy striper” at the VA hospital in Atlanta, GA. Her desire for assuring our Soldiers and Veterans knew their service was always appreciated and never forgotten, was just a small example of the depth of her caring compassion.

Madeline was preceded in death by her parents Marjorie Louise Taylor and Dwayne Utter.  She was also preceded by her siblings Margaret Blair (Madeline’s twin); Diane Rainey; Marilyn Goza; Carolyn Barbie; and one brother Dwaine Utter.

Madeline is survived by her devoted husband of 24 years.

Two Sisters, Darlene Blair Retired and traveling and Theresa Laura Taylor of Atlanta, GA.

She is also survived by her children, Felicia (York) Compton and husband Matt of Okotoks, Alberta Canada;

Howard Russell York and wife Stacy of Fort Worth, TX;

Shannon Munoz and husband Alex of Houston, TX;

Carolyn Ranae (Sweeney) Pincock and husband Clint of Mapleton, IL;

Richard Lance Sweeney and wife Colette of Corinth, TX;

Arla Marie (Sweeney) Jarvis and husband Benny of Lueders, TX and

22 Grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren.

Brother-in-law James Sweeney and Wife Jane of New Braunfels, TX and

Sister-in-law Gloria M. “Dodie” Sweeney North of Kerrville.

In addition, she is survived by numerous Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Nephews, even Great, Great Nieces and Nephews, Numerous Cousins and Countless Friends.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice or any Veterans group.