Jean A. Sweeney

Jean A. Sweeney, 75, longtime Superior resident and beloved teacher and family member, died Monday, March 25, 2013 as a result from a fire at her home.

She was born on August 31, 1937 in Fremont, NE to Bernard and Astrid (Peterson) Wesley.

She was a 1955 graduate of the former Central High School. She graduated from the Wisconsin State College with a B.S. Degree majoring in vocal music and minored in English and in 1965 she obtained her Master’s Degree.
Jean became a teacher of Freshman Choir and English in 1959 at Central High School in Superior. Through her thirty-seven year career, Jean taught combinations of English, Creative Writing, and Vocal Music until her retirement in January of 1996. When Superior Senior High School opened in 1965, Jean moved to the new school to teach English 12 and Creative Writing, often singing her Shakespeare lessons to her class. She stated on her initial application to teach, that her goal for her life work was “to become an educator whose value to his students and the profession is unquestionable.” By all accounts of those who reminisced about her, Jean lived up to her life-time goal.

In college Jean was a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Alpha Psy Omega Fraternity, the Acapella Choir, Madrigal Singers, taught piano and was in several dramatic events. In her teaching career, she led the Spartan singers, often performing at community events. She was High School choir Director for many years, often directing musicals such as “Bye Bye Birdie.”

Jean was a member of the Wisconsin Educators Association, classroom Teacher Association and the North West Lake Superior Educators Association. She was an avid reader, always honing her educational prowess.

Words often used to describe Jean as a teacher were: vivacious, enthusiastic, dedicated, professional, talented, one of the best in the field. Students remember her for her quick wit, sharp humor, high expectations and sincere interest in each student. Jean was one of those persons who enters a room and leaves everyone smiling and a song on their mind.

Jean married Donald Sweeney and they celebrated thirty-five years of marriage before his passing in December of 1997.

She was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church where she was the Director of the hand-bell choir and a member of the church council.

Jean is survived by her brother, Dick (Jean) Myers, Stillwater, MN and their children. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews from the Arras and Sweeney families.

She is preceded in death by her parents Bernard Wesley and Astrid Myers, her stepfather Ray Myers and her husband Donald and cousin Carol Thompson Novak.

Visitation will begin at 3:30 PM, on Monday, April 1, 2013 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap Street, Superior and continue until the 5:00 PM funeral service with Pastor Will Mowchan officiating.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Superior.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.
To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.