Carol Ellen Sweeney

Carol (Hackman) Sweeney, 76 of Rockford, IL born September 8, 1944 and was given her birth name, Josephine Patricia Liseno by her birth parents, John Liseno and Margaret Grace Staley, passed away in Leesburg, FL, May 1, 2021 She was adopted by Milo John Hackman and Helen (Ebens) Hackman at the age of 7 in 1953 and then was given the name and baptized, Carol Ellen Hackman. She was later married to Jack Sweeney on December 7, 1974. Carol was special needs and mentally challenged from a very early age before adoption. She was given the best care by her adopted parents and they worked with her over the years to teach her basic life skills however she was not able to fully live on her own without assistance. For 30 years Carol worked the assembly line at Growth Enterprises in Loves Park, IL. In retirement she loved attending Lifescape Adult Day Care in Rockford, IL, three days a week. She flourished there and loved the attention and activities they provided as well as the fellowship with the many special friends she met. She was a lifelong member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL. For many years she sang in their choir, participated in bible studies and attended church regularly. She had a child-like love of Jesus Christ and it was enlightening for those who knew her and witnessed her love of Jesus and her passion for singing bible hymns from the Redeemer Lutheran Hymnal that she kept a copy and sang regularly from at home. Her hobbies included coloring, word search, 100 pc puzzles, sticker books, weaving and paint by number. She loved animals and trips to the zoo and to aviaries and pet stores. She loved taking drives to see sights in local parks and trips to Dairy Queen for a special treat. She often enjoyed watching Animal Planet and loved her crime shows. Often her Sister, Gloria (also her caregiver for many years) would try to encourage her to watch happier shows such as the Disney or the Hallmark Channel so she wouldn't have nightmares but Carol would often try to sneak her crime shows anyway. She loved food; seafood, shrimp and pasta and ice cream were her favorites but in the later years being diabetic that was all in moderation. Sometimes she would sneak treats (as sometimes we all do). She loved music and you would often see her with her headphones on in her bedroom listening to gospel or country music mainly. In her adult years she loved playing her organ and singing along with simple songs she could play. She enjoyed Willie Nelson toward the end of her life but country & gospel music in general made her the happiest. Carol Sweeney is survived by her Brother Roger Hackman (Marlene Dimond Hackman) of Winnebago, IL; and former Sister-in-Law Kathleen Murphy; Nieces Alesia Waybright of Leesburg, FL; Kristine Kliebhan (Lawrence Kliebhan) of Knoxville, TN; Brian Hackman (Beth Teggatz Hackman) of Madison, Wisconsin and Jennifer Hackman Woolery (Mike Woolery) of Winnebago, IL. and many great and grand Nephews and Nieces. Carol Sweeney was predeceased by her adopted Parents: Milo and Helen (Ebens) Hackman and her birth parents: John Liseno and Margaret Grace Staley, her Sister Gloria (Hackman) Morris; her Husband, Jack Sweeney; Brother-in-law Marvin Morris; Nephew Michael Morris, Sr.; and several Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins & Friends. Her wishes were for a very brief, very private viewing by only immediate family & thereafter will follow cremation at Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory in Leesburg, FL. At a later date (date to be determined) a memorial service will hopefully be allowed to take place (with Covid guidelines) in Rockford, IL, following with interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Machesney Park, IL. Condolences can be offered online at www.beyersfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, FL

Carol Ellen Sweeney

September 8, 1944 - May 1, 2021