Jane Ann Sweeney

Jane Ann (Mortenson) Sweeney of Stillwater, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, with her lifelong partner and beloved husband, John, by her side.

Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Al and Jo Mortenson; her dear sister, Mary Giles; and brother in law, Jim Sweeney.

Jane is survived by her husband of 53 yrs, Dr. John E. Sweeney; her brother, Tom Mortenson (Mary Ellen Becker), in laws, George W. Sweeney (Jim Chotas), Cynthia Kindlien (Larry Underkoffler), Bob Sweeney (Laurie), Kathleen Daniels (Frank), Jayne Sweeney (Jim), Jim Harris (Mary); 8 nieces and 2 nephews, and many cherished friends.

Jane was born November 14, 1947 during the height of Minnesota deer season, which her father reminded her of annually. She grew up in Falcon Hts, MN, where she attended Alexander Ramsey High School. Jane and John met at the, long gone, Roadside Drive-In at age 15 and the rest is history, as they say. She attended Mankato State College where she graduated in education and met her life long friend Kay. Jane taught for 30 yrs in the Stillwater Public Schools, first at Lake Elmo and then many years at Stonebridge Elementary School. Along with being a beloved teacher, Jane was a brilliant artist. Her keen eye for design, color and beauty, not only created their lovely home, but produced many mosaics, drawings, paintings and more. Her mosaics adorn the yard and are mingled with her lovely gardens.

Jane and her sister Mary, went on many adventures searching for collectibles including rocks, shells, folk art, metal and glass objects, old discarded pieces of this and that to be used in projects. Their adventures are legendary with family and friends. They went on road trips around the country, to Big Top sales, landfills, antique shops, beaches, dirt roads, estate sales, garage sales and to road side give away piles. Everything had potential!

An avid outdoor person, Jane spent many years up on the Snake River in the little school house cross country skiing, stomping through the woods and entertaining the hunting and outdoors clan. Jane made many trips to the North Shore to hike the Superior Hiking Trail with Linda, Mary, Kay and other dear friends. An enthusiastic traveler, Jane enjoyed many European trips and was always intensely interested in people, art and culture from around the world.

The Palm Springs community was/is a special place for Jane and John where they have made many supportive and cherished friends.

Jane's inner grace and beauty, her kind spirit, her smashing style, her patience (markedly with John!) and love will be missed fiercely by all those who knew her. John would like to thank those who have helped and supported him during the many years of Jane's cancer journey and for the days to come. Jane was a fighter and survivor and made the most of each day.

A celebration of Jane's life will be Monday, October 6, 2025, at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, MN. Visitation 4 PM - 5 PM with a short service at 5 PM followed by refreshments.

Memorials preferred to the Mayo Clinic Department of Development or Family Means of Stillwater