RUTH M. SWEENEY
FORT FAIRFIELD

Fort Fairfield – Ruth M. Sweeney, 83, passed away Monday morning, September 12, 2022 at the Presque Isle Aroostook House of Comfort, following a brief illness. She was born November 29, 1938 in Fort Fairfield, the daughter of Joseph Sr. and Viola “Vi” (Putnam) Sweeney.

Ruth attended and graduated with honors from the Fort Fairfield High School, Class of 1956. Following high school, Ruth was involved in business administration and worked as a stenographer and court reporter in California and Connecticut. She then joined the United States Foreign Service and spent her career abroad in many different countries. Her first post was with President Lyndon Johnson and served at the U.S. Embassy in Hong Kong during the Vietnam War. Ruth possessed a very unique ability to quickly learn foreign languages, and in the later part of her career performed contract negotiations with other countries. During her career, Ruth resided in Turkey, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Mexico, Canada, China, and covered the Caribbean Islands. Between posts, Ruth visited Fort Fairfield and lived in Washington, DC.

Following her retirement as a career diplomat with the State Department, Ruth lived for a while in Florida, but longed to return to Northern Maine, so she moved to the farmhouse, Sweeney Ridge on the Dorsey Road, Fort Fairfield, where she spent many happy years renovating the property and walking “outback” in the fields each day. She enjoyed visiting her neighbors and being part of the town again. When it became difficult to live alone, Ruth moved to an apartment at Leisure Village, Presque Isle. During her career, Ruth received many awards and letters of thanks for her years of service to our country from all the Presidents she served under.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her two younger brothers, Joseph F. Sweeney, Jr. and James A. Sweeney; niece, Catherine Soucie Nadeau; great niece, Julia C. Nadeau; brothers-in-law, John Underwood and Stephen Soucie. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Underwood of Bath, Martha Soucie of Fort Fairfield; one nephew, Patrick Underwood and his wife Holly and daughter Amira of Windham; a niece Kimberly Wasson and her husband Sam of Fort Fairfield; several cousins. Ruth’s family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staffs of both Leisure Village and the Aroostook House of Comfort for the wonderful care she received during her stays in each place.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, September 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Ruth to the Aroostook House of Comfort, P.O. Box 867, Presque Isle, Maine 04769. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home and Cremation service, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com .