Sophie (Caola) Sweeney, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 22, 2018 under the loving care of her family and the dedicated staff at the Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center. Born and raised in Somerville, Sophie was a daughter of John and Anna (Bonapace) Caola, and lived in Worcester for over 70 years.  Her husband of 59 years, Thomas J. Sweeney, Jr. died in 2010.

Sophie leaves three sons, Thomas J. Sweeney, III and his wife, Eileen of Lakeland, Florida, Michael J. Sweeney and his wife, Patty of Paxton, and John F. Sweeney of New Braintree; two daughters, Paula M. Kowszik and her husband, Tony of Millbury and Linda M. Taylor and her husband, James of Rutland; nine grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Besides her husband, Sophie is predeceased by three brothers, Louis, Frank and Henry Caola and a sister, Doris Sulkoski.

She was a graduate of St. Clement High School in Medford and later worked for 25 years as a key punch operator for Thom McAn Shoe Company in Worcester, retiring in 1990.  Sophie was a long time member of Christ the King Church in Worcester. She was a joy to be with and was loved by all that knew her. Sophie will be remembered for her fabulous sense of humor and kind and gentle nature.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Sophie’s family from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 27, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester.  Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Activities Fund, 32 Mayo Drive, Holden, MA 01520.