Olivia "Toots" Sweeney (nee Venne) passed away peacefully on February 17, 2009 in Kelowna, B.C. at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her dear husband Joe and her two daughters Doreen and Colleen, but she will always be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Kevin (Karin) Paul, Gordon (Nicole) Paul, Shannon Edwards, Lori Erb (Aengus McIntosh), Danny (Wanda) Erb, Bill Erb and Bob Erb. She also leaves behind her sisters Mae and Vernice, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well as many many dear friends in Kelowna and throughout the prairies.

Toots was born on March 21, 1914 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan to Marie (Normand) and James Venne. She enjoyed the freedom of her prairie childhood with her five brothers and sisters and then entered the Saskatchewan Training School to graduate in 1938 as a psychiatric nurse. In that same graduating class was the man she would later marry in 1946, Joe Sweeney. During her career in Saskatchewan Toots garnered the love and respect of her students and coworkers who also became lifelong friends. In 1967 Toots and Joe decided to make the move to Kelowna, B.C. where Toots continued in her beloved career for many more years. Toots may have retired but she never slowed down; always on the move she enjoyed her retirement with an active social life and helping whoever needed it. She traveled, shopped, hit the casino once in a while, and kept in touch with her wide circle of family and friends. Her caring, generous spirit, her sharp wit and her unmatched love of life are trademarks that will be missed and cherished by all who knew her.

Memorial service to be held in Kelowna, B.C. on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church 839 Sutherland Avenue. Reception to follow at the Dorchester Retirement Residence 863 Leon Avenue. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.