Christian Cookie Sweeney

July 2, 1979 - October 26, 2014
Christian Cookie Sweeney

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Christian Steve (Cookie) Sweeney, age 35, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center after a courageous 10 year battle with cancer.

He was born in Hamburg, Germany on July 2, 1979 to John and Margaret Sweeney.

Christian was incredibly talented, generous and one-of-a kind. He was always undertaking creative endeavors which included his paintings, drawings, designs, painted clothing, web designs, building RPGs, doodles and above all playing guitar. He was an avid reader, a humorous storyteller and gifted writer.

Christian and his brother Maximillian lived in Germany and Ireland and were exposed to a variety of languages and cultures before the family arrived in Pennsylvania, PA in 1986 and moved to Wilmington, NC in 1994.

Christian became a well-known figure in this community. He lived his life to the fullest with his unique passion to explore the world around him. He talked with everybody, excited to learn and experience something new every day. Christian loved debating with friends and strangers, expounding on his theories about history, society, art, music, and he appreciated architecture as fully as the colors and designs of nature. His hands were never still. He always had to draw something, construct or create a piece of artwork or bake breads and cookies. Closest to his heart was his music, always playing guitar and composing his own tunes. He enjoyed all types of music, and he formed the band “Beer Wolf” (typically Christian: pun intended!) together with his brother Maximillian and his friends Nash Fralick and Victor Marriott. Christian was an integral part of the heavy metal music scene as the enormous amount of flyers he created for gigs with other bands clearly shows . He also created the idea and the concept of recording his interviews with musicians, which led to the development of the documentary with Christian’s inventive title “Slow Southern Steel”. It was produced by his friends from the band Rwake and other famous Southern Metal bands. Christian also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, catering for the volunteer builders, providing them with hearty soups and baking cookies for all to enjoy.

Surviving are his parents, John and Margaret (nee Hanratty)Sweeney; brother, Maximillian Sweeney; grandmother, Catherine Sweeney; aunts, Denise Sweeney, Catherine Sweeney Christopher (David), aunt and godmother Eleanor Sweeney Köhlmoos (Hermé); cousin, Seán Köhlmoos, aunt Stephanie Sweeney Murphy, cousins Louis Murphy and Stephen Murphy, all relatives connected with Margaret’s Hanratty family and a host of other loving families and friends.

The family would like to thank Christian’s teams of doctors and nurses at the Duke Brain Cancer Center and at the Zimmer Cancer Center of New Hanover Regional Medical Center for their compassionate and outstanding care; especially Dr. George Alsina , Dr. Allan H. Friedman, Dr. Annick Desjardins, Michelle Bradsher, as well as everyone involved in caring for Christian and his family at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center.
A celebration of life will be held 2 PM Sunday, November 9, 2014 at the Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield Street. Christian will be laid to rest with his grandfather and great-grandfather in Sutton, Dublin, Ireland.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Robert Preston Tisch Brain Tumor Center.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • October 30, 2014
    Pat Hanratty says:
    Expressions of Sympathy Pat Hanratty has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.

  • October 30, 2014
    Emily Marriott says:
    Loved seeing Christian out and about this past year. I could pretty much count on seeing him having breakfast at Ezzell's or at Shreiner's Diner. It was a pleasure to talk with him and know that he was still with us, after having battled so long and hard. He always had something he was working on artistically and was proud to show me what he was working on. I had the honor of seeing him during his last day here in his earthly body while at hospice. I believe that he knew I was there, although unable to speak. He is on his beam of light headed for the moon!! Hugs and kisses for Maggie, John and Max. Love to all....

  • October 30, 2014
    Jeremy Martin says:
    I am glad to have known you. You will continue to be a source of inspiration to us all. There was a distinct way you went about your life and creative process. I feel your loss deeply and hope that your family and friends can find strength to push on through life without your bright shining presence. I'll meet you in the moon someday. J.Martin

  • October 30, 2014
    Julia Thomas says:
    R.I.P. my friend and may your fruitful life forever flourish in your new world... where ever you are or where you go, enjoy the ride... Hope to see ya on the moon one day!

  • October 30, 2014
    Karl Mroch says:
    My heart goes out to every one.Christian was a bright light and has gone out to soon. I will miss him and his energy. Truly sorry to see you go but I know you are in a better place take care.