Isabel Ann (Welenc) Sweeney

SALEM – Mrs. Isabel Ann “Bella” (Welenc) Sweeney, 94, of Gilroy, California, formerly a longtime resident of Salem, beloved wife of 47 years to the late Raymond "Chuck" Sweeney, died peacefully on Sunday, July 26th, 2026.

Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Sigmund Ignatius and Wanda (Szczechowicz) Welenc. She was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, Class of 1948. While in high school, Bella was a proud member of the cheerleading squad—a role perfectly suited to her cheerful, outgoing nature, and one through which she formed many lifelong friendships.

A dedicated resident of Salem, Mrs. Sweeney served for many years as an administrative assistant with the Salem School Department. She was a fixture in the central offices and served as the secretary for the Salem High School Athletic Department until the time of her retirement.

Bella grew up on Herbert Street in the former boyhood home of Nathaniel Hawthorne, a historic connection that remained a source of lifelong pride. Following the early passing of her mother, Isabel developed an enduring self-reliance and strength of character. She met life head-on with confidence, warmth, and an unwavering optimistic spirit.

Always welcoming, Bella maintained a true “open-door” policy at her home. Her living room was frequently filled with friends sharing stories and laughter over an afternoon cup of tea. An avid gardener, she was a dedicated life member of the Salem Garden Club, and her passion for learning led her to join the Explorers program in her senior years. Above all, her close-knit group of ladies, affectionately dubbed “The Club,” brought immense joy to one another, forging bonds of friendship that extended across generations.

In her later years, she fought valiantly against Alzheimer’s disease with strength and grace. Through every chapter of her life, Bella kept a smile on her face and remained a deeply proud "Salemite." Her legacy of warmth, laughter, and resilience will be forever cherished.

Bella is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Meinerth and her husband, Kim of Gilroy, CA, her grandchildren, Melissa Waugh and her husband, Brian, Chrissy Reynoso and her husband, Daniel and James Meinerth and his partner, Claire Hughes, her great grandchildren, Ronan and Olivia and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews whom loved her dearly. She was the sister of the late Florence Burkinshaw and Dorothy Fabiszewski.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours to be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Friday, August 7th from 9 to 10:30 AM, followed by her funeral Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorne Blvd., Salem at 11 A.M. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Donations in Isabel’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Alz.org. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com