Ellen Mary Sweeney
2012 Deputy Grand Marshal

Ellen Mary (Caron) Sweeney was born in St. Michael's Hospital, Newark New Jersey, the first child to Patrick Caron(RIP) and Bridget(Freeley) Caron(RIP). She is a first generation American. Her parents emigrated from Ireland from the western counties of Mayo and Roscommon. Ellen grew up in the Parish of St. Peter's in Belleville. She graduated from St. Peters Grammar School and Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Newark.

Ellen had four sisters: Margaret McDermott, Joan Robson(RIP), Kathleen Gallagher, Doris Gross; and one brother, Jack Caron. She is the proud aunt of 13 on the Caron side and 24 on the Sweeney side. Until just recently, Ellen had 59 first cousins!

After high school, Ellen worked at IT&T as an executive secretary for seven years. She then met and married the love of her life, Hugh Daniel Sweeney(RIP), the son of John Sweeney(RIP) of Fanad, County Donegal, and Nora (Conway Sweeney(RIP), of Herbertstown, County Limerick. Ellen is also now blessed with a family for which she is eternally grateful: Hugh, Jr. and his wife Patty have 2 children, Hugh III and Bridget; Sean is married to Buffey, the mother of Ashley and Amanda; Ellen is married to Bob Sherry and they have 3 children, Shane, Ryan and Cara Connell; Kevin and his wife Melissa have 3 daughters, Caitlin, Megan and Molly and Patrick and his wife Dina have 2 children, Michael and Kayla.

In addition to Ellen's work at IT&T, she was employed by Gateway Insurance, the law office of Michael Larkin, Barton Press, Local 68 IUOE and Blarney Woolen Mills.

Ellen is a former member of The Peter Smith Adult Dance Group, The Irish American Unity Conference, St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band Auxiliary, and The Women of Irish Heritage. Currently she is a member of The Giblin Association and for many years, the Irish American Society of the Oranges. Hugh Sr. was a long time piper with St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe and Drum Band through the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Ellen proudly celebrated her husband's Irish roots.

Proud of her own Irish heritage as well, Ellen has done great work in passing along the love of Ireland to her children and grandchildren. She often says, "One of the finest gifts I received from my parents is the Country of Ireland." She has enjoyed and supported both The West Orange and Newark Parades for many years.

Ellen is honored to be a Deputy Grand Marshall for The 2012 West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade. It is "some very nice icing on a beautiful and multi-storied cake." She will do everything in her power to make the 2012 parade a wonderful and informative experience.