Patricia McGraw Sweeney

Patricia McGraw Sweeney (Patt to those who knew her) passed away on June 13, 2016 at her residence at Marquette Residences. The multifaceted native of Cincinnati moved to Indianapolis in 1956 after her wedding to the late Jerome Robert Sweeney, Sr. The couple met while she was attending the Academy of Mount St. Joseph, later attended Edgecliffe College which is now Xavier University. Patt attained her Masters at the University of Cincinnati and entered the ranks as a teacher in the Raschig School district of Cincinnati, one of the most socio-economically challenged sections of the City. She was passionate about helping children learn and explore in addition to teaching them reading, writing and math. The couple were quickly blessed with five boys and she found her calling in being involved in the things she loved: church, the arts, helping the less fortunate and supporting her children's activities and challenges in life. A few of the causes that were near and dear to her heart and she assumed leadership roles were: People of Vision/Society to Prevent Blindness: Family Support Center; Women's Committee of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; President of Starlighters; Contem...[more]

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ary Club of Indianapolis and Day Nursery of Indianapolis. Additionally, she was on the Board of these organizations: Indianapolis Museum of Art Alliance; Indianapolis Ballet Theatre Wing and the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana, Inc. where she was the driving force to start Camp Delafield for dyslexic children. Her passions were her dedication to God, her dedication to her family and her extensive travel experiences. A daily mass filled her with love and prayers for others in her life. This love of God made her a miracle when she survived a devastating brain injury, that even surprised the doctors at the Mayo Clinic . Based on her lifelong devotion to the church they bestowed upon her its highest honor to non-ordained, induction into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Seplicur of Jerusalem. This is a global organization committed to the preservation of the birthplace of Christ. Her love of travel and history began upon her graduation from college when she and two friends went to Europe for the summer. She was known as the Museum Queen and spent countless hours reading the history and exploring ancient cities and quiet towns across Europe. These adventures translated into exposing her children to the same as they grew up. There was always a great balance on family vacations between beach time and museum and history time. Even though she had the travel bug, she loved her adopted city of Indianapolis and was a great Ambassador for her beloved city and all that it had to offer both its residents and visitors. She also enjoyed a good party! She was most happy leading the charge for a charity event with dancing, great food and conversation. She was never daunted by a challenge, which was apparent in her most used line as she sent her children off to school, "slay those dragons." She approached life and challenges head-on and was determined to beat the odds at every turn. Patricia is preceded in death by her brothers, James and Robert (Martha) McGraw; and brother-in-law, John Brune. She is survived by her Sister, Rosemary Brune; sister-in-law, Marjorie (James) McGraw; 5 sons, James (Kathleen), Jerome (Kari), Gregory (Michele), Brian (Cindy), and Robert (Jena Buttery); 19 grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Friends and family will gather for visistation on Sunday, June 19th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 20th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church.