Donald SWEENEY Obituary

Loved ones of Donald Clayton Sweeney and Karen Marie Sweeney are announcing a memorial on Tuesday, July 5th at 1 pm at the Veteran's Cemetery in Medical Lake. A celebration of life for family and friends will follow. This was delayed due to Covid which also caused the closure of the Canadian border.

Don and Karen were married for 56 dedicated years. Karen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018 and had Whipple surgery. Don couldn't bear life without her and his health declined, passing away on January 17, 2020. Karen passed away a little over a year later on April 22, 2021, after fighting a courageous battle for 2 ½ years. Their family cared for both of them during this difficult time.

Don was born on October 31, 1937, in Sommerville, Massachusetts, and Karen was born on May 3, 1942, in Michel, B.C Canada. Don was a Seabee cook in the Navy for eight years, then began his career with the telephone company. Karen moved to California with her sister and cousin and worked at Henshey's department store in the credit dept. Don and Karen met in their 20s in Santa Monica, California at a "pautee" as Don would say with his Boston accent. They started dating and shortly thereafter married, and in 1964 had their first daughter, Patty. Pam was born in 1967 and shortly thereafter Don transferred to the telephone company in Medical Lake to be closer to Karen's family in Canada. They had two sons, Mark in 1969 and Mike in 1970.

Don lived life to the fullest, was adventurous, a character, a mentor, and generous. He was well known for his "Boston" accent, prominent dimples, red hair, many stories, and lots of friends. He enjoyed fishing, making sure his kids and grandkids knew how to clean a fish. He was an avid hunter and was state champion for several years in his class for archery in Washington and the Florida States, winning many trophies, making lots of friends, and teaching his kids, grandkids, and others the sport. Don enjoyed gardening, and playing cards and spent many years volunteering with the Cheney Rodeo. He was a great mentor to his kids and grandchildren, both in and around the house and in life in general. He always made us laugh.

Karen was a loving and devoted mother, raising their four children. When they moved to Silver Lake in 1975, she decided to go back to work to remodel their home which they did several times. Karen enjoyed reading, genealogy research, gardening, walking Bloomsday, and traveling throughout Europe with her sisters. Her joy though was spending time with her children and grandchildren and lit up seeing her great-granddaughter. Karen was well respected and will be remembered as a caretaker, humble, caring, encouraging, and most importantly as the rock of our family. She could always be counted on to be there for us whether it was helping us with our homework, attending sporting events, hosting family gatherings, or listening to and giving sound advice.

Don retired from the telephone company after 36 years, and Karen retired from Lakeland Village as a secretary in the Medical Record Dept. after 30 enjoyable years. Both grew up poor and worked very hard to give their kids a better life. We're so happy they had the means to winter in Florida for many years and were able to enjoy retirement together, going on many cruises and we were able to visit and enjoy adventures with them.

Don and Karen leave four children: Patty Hendrix of Spokane; Pam Sweeney of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Mark Sweeney and Mike Sweeney, both of Medical Lake; Seven grandchildren: Kayla, Kelsey, Hailey, Drew, Brady, Isabella, and Isaac; one grandchild: Audrianna, and dedicated dog Mitzi.

Don is also survived by his brother Frankie (Judy) Lynch, cousins, and nieces. He is preceded in death by his father, James, mother Virginia, step-father Addy Gagliardi, brother Jimmy and soul brother John Mann.

Karen is also survived by her sisters Catherine Martin, Vera (Dennis) Wazny, brothers Bobby (Maureen) Martin, Jackie (Linda) Martin, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friend, Joyce Mann. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Virginia "Queenie" Martin.

We like to believe Don and Karen are cruising in heaven and having fun together until we reunite again…