*In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Mary’s name.
Mary Ann Sweeney, the daughter of Arthur and Katherine (Weimer) Fessler was born May 11, 1946 in Cherokee, IA. Her childhood years were spent in Larrabee where she attended school through 9th grade. She then went to Sutherland High School graduating in 1964.         
Mary married Donald Petersen on October 30, 1964 in Cherokee, IA. To this union 4 children were born. They later divorced. She married Joseph Sweeney on May 20, 2006 in Sutherland, IA. She worked on the farm during her first marriage and 25 years with K-Products (Staples Promotional Products) retiring August 31, 2012. Mary enjoyed going for walks, listening to music, collecting recipes, cooking, gardening, traveling and especially spending time with family. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.    
Mary passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Happy Siesta Nursing Home in Remsen, IA at the age of 77. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Carl, and one step-son, Dan Sweeney.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Joseph of Sutherland, IA; 4 children, Brenda (Dale) Miller of Paullina, IA, Sharon (Mike) Flinders of Sutherland, IA, Stacey (John DiCello) Petersen of Minneapolis, MN, and Bob (Molly Knudtson) Petersen of Peterson, IA; 4 grandchildren, Tara (Kevin) Brown of Spencer, IA, Leah (Brian) Templer of Sutherland, IA, and Lydia and Asa Flinders of Sutherland, IA; 5 great-grandchildren, Oscar and Philip Brown and Torrin, Teagan, and Jentrie Templer; 3 step-sons, Steve Sweeney of Arnolds Park, IA, Doug (Char) Sweeney of Sutherland, IA and Chris (Melissa) of Colorado Springs, CO; 1 step-daughter-in-law, Karen Sweeney; 11 step-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Harold Fessler of Hamilton, MT; one sister, Ruby Hoekstra of Sheldon, IA; one sister-in-law, Shirley Fessler of Calumet; other relatives; and many friends.