Elizabeth “Betty” (Sweeney) Luz

Elizabeth “Betty” Sweeney Luz of Lowell, Massachusetts died peacefully on August 31, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Adrian A. Luz, who predeceased her.

Born on May 16, 1938 in Jersey City, New Jersey, she was the daughter of Owen Sweeney and Nora (Jennings) Sweeney, formerly of County Sligo and County Mayo, Ireland. Betty was raised in Bayonne, New Jersey, alongside her two sisters and surrounded by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins within a vibrant Irish community. She graduated from Notre Dame College of Staten Island (later St. John’s University) in New York and began her career as a teacher. After moving to Boston, she became the Chairman of the English Department at Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Boston. She married her husband Adrian in 1971 and moved to Lowell, Massachusetts to start a family. Betty later continued her teaching career in the Billerica Public Schools, where she taught English at both the Locke Middle School and Billerica Memorial High School for many years. She also taught graduate-level classes to teachers at Fitchburg State University and Salem State University.

Betty and Adrian enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states in the United States and many foreign countries. Betty will also be fondly remembered for her love of gardening. She took great pride in her backyard garden, which provided the setting for many gatherings with family and friends. She also found great joy in quilting, creating a special wall quilt for each holiday and proudly displaying them throughout her home. A true lover of celebrations, Betty embraced every holiday and milestone with her trademark enthusiasm—from hosting Fourth of July gatherings and Christmas-in-July parties to celebrating her grandchildren’s birthdays. Her joy in bringing people together and celebrating life’s moments was a cherished part of who she was.

Betty was also active socially in her adopted hometown of Lowell. A longtime member of the Spindle City Garden Club, she loved learning about and sharing her knowledge of gardening. She was also an avid reader and participant in several book clubs, including the book club of the Women’s Guild of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Billerica Middle School Retired Teachers book club. She loved spending time with her many friends made over the years.

Most of all, Betty cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her two children and six grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered for her creativity, zest for life, and the warmth and joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was truly one of a kind.

She is survived by her daughter Kathleen Luz and her husband, Mark Cote, of Andover, MA; her son Adrian Chip Luz and his wife Jennifer Burns Luz, of North Andover, MA; and her six grandchildren: Patrick Cote, Owen Cote, Brady Luz, Brendan Cote, Nora Luz, and Finn Luz. She also leaves behind several beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she is predeceased by her two sisters, Margaret (Sweeney) Hansen and Katheen (Sweeney) de Ben.

According to Betty’s wishes, all funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Luz Family Lowell High School Scholarship Fund at the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, 100 Merrimack Street, Room 202, Lowell, MA 01852.