Shawn Hickey Sweeney, age 67, of Western Springs, IL; beloved wife of Philip P. Sweeney, M.D.; devoted mother of Carolyn, Mary Brigid, Kevin (Abby Jones), Matthew (Alexandra), Maureen and the late Katherine Sweeney; daughter of the late Lawrence and Ada Hickey; sister of Mark (Terry), Mary Lynne, E. Lawrence (Lori Pasenelli) and Brian Hickey; sister-in-law of the late Anthony (Donna), Thomas (Sue), James (Tass), John Paul (Debbie) and Peter (Tricia) Sweeney; aunt and friend to many.

Shawn was born on April 30, 1954 in Evanston, raised in Northfield and attended Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Loyola University Chicago and the University of Illinois, from which she received a master’s degree in nursing. As a high school junior, Shawn met the love of her life, Phil, on an elevator en route to the top of the John Hancock Building; they married in 1978 and settled in Western Springs a decade later.

A psychiatric nurse by training, Shawn cherished her faith, family, friends and community. She was an active member of the St. John of the Cross Catholic Parish, where she participated in more than a dozen outreach committees, including leading the team that collects donations for area food pantries for nearly 25 years. Shawn found deep meaning and friendship through her work with the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, a Back of the Yards (Chicago) ministry that serves young people and families impacted by the criminal justice system.

As a wife, mother and friend, Shawn’s gifts for kindness, generosity, patience and empathy shone. She created a warm, peaceful home filled with books, mementos of faith and family, and late-night kitchen table conversations. She and Phil enjoyed hiking and biking, visiting with children and friends, annual family trips to Dairymen’s Country Club in Boulder Junction, WI and more recent travels to Lourdes, France. Shawn taught her kids to consider others’ perspectives and feelings – and practiced what she preached in countless enduring friendships through CFM, Gourmet Club, “Ladies Who Lunch” and St. John’s. She also took loving care of her aged parents during illnesses spanning 20 years.

Shawn enjoyed reading and intellectual challenge, working out, knitting, shopping for chic but understated clothing and home décor, and, most dearly, discussing faith and life’s joys and challenges – no matter how big or small – with those she loved. Beneath her gentleness, Shawn possessed a core of strength and dignity that was highlighted by her response to a terminal brain cancer diagnosis.

The family would like to thank Bea, Reda and Vilija, Shawn’s caretakers, for their steadfast care and kindness over the past two years.

Visitation: Friday, Dec.  17, 2021 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Sat. Dec. 18, 2021 at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs, IL. Internment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Shawn Sweeney Family Fund at the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, PO Box 09379, Chicago, IL 60609, are deeply appreciated.