Joyce Sweeney, 91, of Alsea passed away peacefully on February 16th in the presence of her daughters, Judy Gonzalez and Trudy Strom. She was born in Raymond, Washington, the third child of Jack and Julia (Rhoades) Leach.
Joyce was a kind, generous and loving woman. She enjoyed cooking and feeding her family and friends. She had numerous interests including traveling, reading and music. She especially enjoyed her 30+ years of being Alsea’s Avon lady. Her customers became her friends whom she loved to visit when making her deliveries.
Thoughts of our mom and grandma will always evoke a song in our hearts and a longing for her delicious cookies made with love and served with a large dose of optimism and a sweet smile.
She is survived by: her daughters Judy (Antonio) Gonzalez, Trudy (Gary) Strom, Billie Winney; Cliff’s children Thomas (Donna) Sweeney and D’ette Hendrix; niece Julie Hiemenz. Together Joyce and Cliff had 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father William Bodeker, her brothers Harry and Chet Leach, her baby boy, and her loving husband of 48 years, Clifford Sweeney.
A celebration of life will be held on June 10th in Alsea. Donations can be made in her memory to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice and Alsea Food Pantry – Jeni’s Place.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.