Holly Ann Sweeney

***PLEASE NOTE AN EXPANDED TIME CHANGE FOR THE MEMORIAL GATHERING FOR HOLLY AT THE PULASKI CLUB IN EASTHAMPTON, MA.   PLEASE JOIN US FROM 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM***

Holly Sweeney, 54, of Greenfield, MA, passed away January 21, 2023, at Massachusetts General Hospital after battling leukemia; but it should be noted that her signature blend of indomitable spirit and inappropriate humor was constantly present.

Holly was born in Northampton, MA, to Pearl and Donald Sweeney on October 9, 1968. Holly grew up in Northampton with her two sisters, as well as Fuzzball the cat, and Sydney the beagle. She also spent a lot of time with her grandparents, Pauline (Da) and Bernard (Grampy Bud) Devlin. Holly attended the Northampton public school system, graduating with the Northampton High School Class of 1986. She later went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies, starting at Greenfield Community College, and finishing at Westfield State College.

Holly had a long work history in western Mass. In high school, she worked for Clothes To Go in Northampton, later managing the Greenfield location. She worked at Northampton staples Main Street Records, where she honed her lifelong passion for music, and Roz’s Place Vintage, which imbued her with her sense for fashion. She also worked at Motherwear, before ultimately ending up at Yankee Candle for the majority of her work career. Through all of these jobs, she had a knack for building lifelong relationships.

At Yankee, she continually impressed. She began on the factory floor, and worked her way into the planning office. During the Covid lockdown she continued to grow, and achieved her Master of Business Administration from an online program through Western Governors University, all while working full time. This led to her final promotion to the position of Master Planner.

Throughout her life, Holly had a deep passion for music. When she met her husband John, the two bonded over this immediately, and the pair saw bands across the country together. Holly also loved to travel in general, and was the consummate road trip partner. She was an exceptionally creative person, especially with her crochet work, which she loved to vend at local craft fairs. Holly adored cats, especially Fluffy and Charlie, who she shared with her husband. She was a connoisseur of fine Irish whiskey, cheap domestic beer, and all things chocolate. Her sense of humor was unparalleled, and she would have been the first one to tell you she was hilarious. But above all, Holly loved harder and fiercer than anyone, and if she was on your side, you felt like you could take on the world.

She is survived by her loving husband, John MacLeod, and her feline child, Charlie; her mother Pearl Sweeney; her sister Tria Sweeney and her husband, Adam Connor; her sister Kristen Walker and her husband, Michael; nephews Owen Connor and Sam Walker; nieces Lily Connor and Jenny Walker; and a close-knit group of friends who she also considered family.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial, which will be held at the Pulaski Club in Easthampton, MA on February 5 from 3:00-7:00pm. A celebration of life is planned for a later date, still TBA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Holly’s name to the Cancer Connection, 41 Locust St., Northampton, MA 01060. Guests are encouraged to visit Holly’s Tribute Wall, which may be found at www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com to leave expressions of remembrance. 

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