Elizabeth Meehan Brereton

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 September 06, 1980 - June 10, 2025

Elizabeth Meehan Brereton passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends. A devoted mother, cherished partner, loving daughter, and steadfast friend, she leaves behind a legacy of grace, relentless courage, and unwavering kindness.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Elizabeth (“Liz”) graduated from Highland High School before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wellesley College. She was awarded her Juris Doctorate from Emory Law School in Atlanta, where her passion for justice and keen intellect first guided her toward a life in the law.

Upon returning to Utah, Liz was admitted to the Utah State Bar and launched her career at the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) in Salt Lake City. She later joined Snell & Wilmer’s Salt Lake City office before taking on the role of Associate General Counsel at AES Global Energy Companies.

Elizabeth brought the same tenacity and passion that she carried for life, to her work. Throughout her career, Elizabeth was recognized as a highly accomplished and capable attorney, as well as a leader in her practice of energy law. In each position she held, Liz earned the respect and affection of colleagues whose friendships she deeply treasured.

Liz poured her whole heart into her children. She was the proud mother of John Michael Brereton Sweeney (“Jack”) and Eleanor Grace Sweeney (“Ella”) and took every opportunity to fill their days with laughter, learning, and adventure, whether exploring new worlds through the pages of a book or creating memories with games, movies and family trips. Liz made sure that time with her children was always her greatest priority. Liz’s love of Jack and Ella proved to be a fierce adversary of her illness.

Elizabeth loved life and lived it to its fullest, continuing to craft an entire lifetime of joy and adventure after her diagnosis. For eight years, Liz battled cancer with astonishing fortitude, relegating it to the sidelines, changing the course of medical care to capture every joyful moment available to her.

Her sense of style was as vibrant as her spirit: impeccably dressed, radiant smile, and ever ready to light up a room. She was deeply loved by her partner, Ronald Wakim Alfa; her children’s father, Russell Cunningham Sweeney; her mother, Melinda Talbot & husband Doug; her father, John E. Brereton; and her brother, John O. Brereton, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts.

She faced each challenge with quiet but fierce determination, never allowing her illness to overshadow her warmth or compassion. Through every setback, she remained a model of resilience, teaching everyone around her that determination, grit, and an unwavering smile and love for others could turn hardship into hope.

Elizabeth’s life was defined by her love—for family, for friends, and for the simple joys that brighten our days. May we honor her memory by following her example: embracing each moment fully, lifting others with kindness, and meeting life’s challenges with the same courage and grace she showed us all.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional medical teams at Huntsman Cancer Institute, LDS Hospital, and Intermountain Hospital, whose compassionate care and unwavering support provided strength and comfort throughout Elizabeth’s journey. Special thanks are extended to her dedicated physicians and the caring Immunotherapy Clinic staff at Huntsman, whose professionalism and kindness deeply touched Elizabeth and her family.

Many thanks to Huntsman at Home Hospice’s nurses, who assisted Elizabeth with great care and compassion in her final weeks.

The family also wishes to express profound appreciation to Beckie Bradshaw for her warmth and humor, Brandi Simpson for her gentle support, and Andrea and Philip Husby for their boundless love and care, and Sandy & Mike Sweeney for always being there, no matter what.

Elizabeth's vibrant spirit, courage, and love will endure, forever

inspiring those fortunate enough to have known her.

Services for Elizabeth will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM by Inspired Funeral Home, located at Historic City View Mortuary, 1001 E 11th Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103. Elizabeth’s interment at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery will follow the service. A Celebration of Elizabeth’s life will then be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, also by Inspired Funeral Home, located at Historic City View Mortuary.

For those wishing to make a donation In Elizabeth’s memory, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab Utah. 

To send flowers, please contact Hillside Floral here: www.hillsidefloral.net.

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