I have some old 1949-1953 Brownie Box snapshots of us all at picnics, the beach and the mountains. Stand by, please. 

Marie E. (Ward) Sweeney, 94, passed peacefully at home in Anaheim on Thurs., Oct. 24, 2019. 

Born at home in Anaheim to Walter R. and O. Persis (Ferguson) Ward on April 5, 1925. 

Home was a ranch house among 25 acres of orange trees, the family livelihood. 

Lived in or near Anaheim almost all her life. A good student, she graduated from Anaheim H.S. in 1942 and completed 3 years of college, interested in psychology. 

Married her childhood sweetheart, Noel C. Sweeney, on June 30, 1945. 

She loved being a mother, wife, and homemaker. A devoted coach's wife. 

Married for 63 years. 

Enjoyed politics, cooking, gardening, raising Boxer dogs, and traveling around the U.S. in their RV. 

Survived by children, Noel P. Sweeney, Michael D. Sweeney; grandchildren, Chad Wells, Jared (Ruth) Wells, Shane (Liz) Wells, Ryan (Jodie) Sweeney, Jessica (Josh) Sullens; great-grandchildren, Ariana, Tyler, Jeralynn, Jake, Wyatt, Harper, Braden, Erin, Tyler, Nathan, MaLeah; sisters-in-law Joyce Schumacher, Esther Sweeney; brother-in-law Jerry Schumacher; numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by, her parents; sister, Virginia Dingle; husband, Noel C. Sweeney; daughter, Christine M. Wells; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. 

During the last 7 years, several caregivers enabled Marie to continue to live at home. Especially noteworthy was Miriam Hernandez, who provided unmatched care for almost 4 years, becoming a virtual loving granddaughter to Marie!

Published in Orange County Register from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3, 2019.

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Everybody said Marie and Noel were a great, handsome, athletic  couple, I guess comparable to Aaron McGuire and Meri McClelland, or Barry Gottula and Nicki Chute, or Deb Westlund and Todd Bledsoe,