December 28, 1945 – February 15, 2026
Linda M. Sweeney, 80, of Hampton Twp, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026.
Born on December 28, 1945, in New York City, Linda was the beloved, adopted daughter of the late Joseph and Ida (Festa) LoBue. Linda grew up in Staten Island, NY where she formed life-long friendships, received her college degree in early childhood education, and married Raymond D. Kochanski. After moving to New Jersey, she enabled the start of a nursery school in Hackettstown. She played guitar in the music ministry at St. Francis Prayer Community and was a member of the La Leche League. Later she divorced and began teaching pre-K through 4th grade at Reverend Brown in Sparta. Linda married Philip B. Sweeney in 1985. She studied to become an Ultrasound Technician and worked in Brooklyn and then Staten Island up to her time of death.
Linda was known for actively pursuing her faith and was a long-standing parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Swartswood. She was a devoted wife and mother, a do-it-yourself enthusiast, and a dreamer. Linda also enjoyed tending her flower garden which was a reflection of her spirit – full of color, beauty and life.
Linda is survived by her loving husband of 41years, Philip B. Sweeney; her children, Rachael (Kochanski) Detwiller, Timothy (Chrissie) Kochanski and Karen Kochanski. Her stepchildren, Patrick (the late Patty) Sweeney, Philip (Colleen) Sweeney, Kathleen (Edward III) Baldwin and Kevin Claude “KC” (Dawn) Sweeney; and her grandchildren, Kiara (Cory)Wilson, Alexi (Yusef Kutlu) Detwiller, Dylan Detwiller, James Detwiller, Raymond David Kochanski, Benjamin Kochanski, Edie Kochanski and Ruby Kochanski. She has 6 great-grandchildren and many step-grands as well. Linda treasured every generation and took immense pride in watching her family grow.
Linda will be remembered for her warmth, her creativity, her optimism, and her deep love for her family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Swartswood on February 20, 2026, at 11a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to scholarship funds at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio 43952.