Diana Councill "Diane" Sweeney's Obituary
Diana (Diane) Councill Sweeney, a devoted mother, grandmother and friend, passed away February 25, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and cherished memories. Born in Richmond, Virginia, she was the beloved daughter of E. (Bill) Winslow Councill and Sally MacLellan Councill.
Diane grew up in Bethesda, Maryland and attended Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC, graduating with the Class of 1966. During her school years, she was an avid equestrian and later shared that passion by teaching children to ride at summer camp.
She went on to study Sociology at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. After graduation, Diane embraced adventure and the wider world as a flight attendant with Pan American Airlines. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, her career allowed her to travel extensively and experience cultures across the globe. It was in Boston that she met her husband, G. Michael “Mike” Sweeney. They were married in April 1976, beginning a devoted partnership that would center on family and shared experiences.
Diane and Mike eventually settled back in the Washington, DC area, where they raised their two daughters. She was an active member of the Junior League of Washington, DC, and dedicated many years to helping her community. Her lifelong passion for education and reading shifted her into her role as an elementary school teacher helping shape the young minds of her students. After moving to Charlotte, NC she carried her commitment to children and education into her professional life at Scholastic Bookfairs. Similarly, her lifelong passion for reading was a constant thread throughout her life — she could often be found at the water’s edge with a good book in hand.
Family was at the heart of everything Diane did. Her grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life. Whether planning trips to the beach or Disney World or simply welcoming them into her home, nothing made her happier than being “Didi.” She was not only a beloved grandmother to Logan and Carson but also a second mom and grandma to many of her children’s and grandchildren’s friends. Diane’s compassion, thoughtfulness, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel seen, heard, and loved.
Fall was her second favorite season — because it meant football. Growing up in Washington, DC, she attended many Redskins games and became a true student of the sport. Later, after moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, she proudly adopted the Carolina Panthers as her hometown team. Few could match her football knowledge or enthusiasm.
Diane will be remembered as a great listener — compassionate, dedicated, and generous with her time and heart. She had a rare gift for making others feel welcome and valued, and she was loved by everyone fortunate enough to know her.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Leigh (husband Scott) Teague and Kerry Sweeney; her beloved grandchildren, Logan and Carson; along with extended family and countless dear friends whose lives she touched deeply. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the joyful traditions she created.
.A memorial service, officiated by Rev. John T. Hill, will be held at 3:00pm, Friday, March 6, 2026, at James Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 3:30 - 4:00pm following the service. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:30 - 7:30pm at Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club, 18501 Harbor Light Blvd., Cornelius, NC 28031.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Diane’s memory at https://www.alz.org.
A memorial service, officiated by Rev. John T. Hill, will be held at 3:00pm, Friday, March 6, 2026, at James Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 3:30 - 4:00pm following the service. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:30 - 7:30pm at Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club, 18501 Harbor Light Blvd., Cornelius, NC 28031.
James Funeral Home is serving the Sweeney family. Memories and condolences may be shared at https://www.JamesFuneralHomeLKN.com
What’s your fondest memory of Diana?
What’s a lesson you learned from Diana?
Share a story where Diana's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Diana you’ll never forget.
How did Diana make you smile?