Windsor, VT – Leona M. Sweeney, 94, died late Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, VT. Leona was born in Elmore, VT on September 11, 1930, to parents Carl and Edith (Tuthill) Pierce; the oldest of ten children, she helped to care for her siblings as they grew up. She worked at a bakery in St. Johnsbury to help with the costs of attending high school at the People's Academy in Morrisville. She loved her work there and became an expert pie maker and culinary perfectionist. After she married the love of her life, Donald Sweeney, in 1949, she left the bakery and turned her talents to working in the home as a mother to two daughters. As a family they built wonderful memories camping in Vermont, New Hampshire, and their favorite, the coast of Maine. She knew how to make every birthday and holiday special with the best food and the most amazing pies her family ever tasted.

Leona kept a calendar journal of the weather and used it along with the Farmer's Almanac to plan her vast flower gardens. She found joy in creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes for the butterflies, hummingbirds, and people to enjoy.

Throughout their lives together, Donald wrote love notes and beautiful cards to Leona. They were as close as two people could be and never fell out of a deep love and admiration for one another. These notes and memories, along with the love and companionship of her family, helped ease the grief she felt after his death in 2013.

She is survived by two daughters Donna Sweeney of Windsor and Shelley Sweeney of Springfield, VT; three sisters Lora Doe of Morrisville, VT, Sandra Pierce Caldwell of Florida, and Penny Ann Bernier of Brattleboro, VT; three grandchildren Kevin Sweeney and partner Kelli Rapp, Keith Sweeney and wife Erin, and Kelly Sweeney; eight great-grandchildren Kyle, Miranda, Madison, Isabelle, Kaleb, Trevor, Brody, and Kolin; three great-great grandchildren Kolten, Everly, and Genna; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and six siblings Carl, Jr., Virginia, Gloria, Vernon, Helen, and June.

A celebration of Leona's life will be held later.