Denise McSweeney

Denise McSweeney, a longtime resident of Lewisville, North Carolina, passed away in hospice on Dec. 14, 2024, following a long illness. Cherished wife of 35 years of Alan Haworth, also of Lewisville. Beloved daughter of Richard and Margaret McSweeney of Gig Harbor, Wash. Dear sister of Diana McSweeney and Deirdre McSweeney of Seattle, Wash.

Denise grew up in Woodmere and Hewlett on Long Island. She was a 1984 magna cum laude graduate of Molloy College School of Nursing in Rockville Centre, New York.

Denise was a dedicated career nurse in New York City, having worked at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York Cornell Hospital and Visiting Nurse Service of New York, before moving with Alan to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1995 and later settling in Lewisville in 2001. She continued working in the field she loved, finishing her career teaching nursing at Forsyth Tech, where she was admired and respected as a gifted instructor by her many students.

Denise was a loyal friend, protector of animals, and family historian. A superb cook, she was a master of roast leg of lamb at Easter, Thanksgiving turkey and everything in between. She loved all things Christmas — from old holiday movies watched year after year to old-fashioned music box tunes — and took pride in decorating her home for the season. Her wise counsel, sense of humor and unforgettable laugh were second to none. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem or the scholarship program at Molloy University in her memory. A celebration of her life will be planned for a later date.

Tributes