Rita Sweeney

Rita Ann Sweeney, age 83, of 15 Evergreen Lane, Saranac Lake, died Thursday, March 12, 2015 at home.

Born in Saranac Lake, New York on August 19, 1931, she was the daughter of Nicholas and Emily (Russett) Acrivlelis. Rita married her high school sweet heart Berton John “Jack” Sweeney on April 7, 1951 in Tacoma Park, Maryland.

Rita graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1949 and worked for the F.B.I. under J. Edgar Hoover as a secretary. She spent many years at home raising her 6 children, then worked as a monitor for the Saranac Lake Central School District for over 20 years. She was a member of the St. Bernard's Parent Association, Catholic Daughters of American Court St. Bernard, St. Puis X Parent Association, the 90 miler pit crew and coffee club

She is survived by her husband Jack Sweeney of Saranac Lake, three sons Steve and his wife Margie of Calais, VT, Larry and his wife Suzan of Suffield, CT and John and his wife Cindy of Saranac Lake, three daughters Kathleen Hogan and her husband Patrick of Saranac Lake, Barbara Miller and her husband Daniel of Williamsport, PA, and Jean Dufresne and her husband David of South Barre, VT, one brother John Acrivlelis of Zephyrhills, FL, 16 grandchildren: Kevin, Kate, Brian, Dan, Matt, Erin, Casie, Caleb, Megan, Ben, Emily, Myles, Drew, Haley, Nick and Madison and 7 great grandchildren.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Sunday March 15, 2015 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Catholic Daughters service will take place at 7:45 PM Sunday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday March 16, 2015 at St. Bernard’s Church with Rev. Thomas Higgman officiating. Burial will take place at St. Bernard Cemetery in Saranac Lake in May.

Friends wishing to remember Rita Ann Sweeney may make memorial contributions to St. Bernard's School in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.