Mary T. Sprague (Mcgowan)

Sprague (McGowan), Mary T.

Of Spring Arbor (grew up in East Rockaway, NY), passed away at home under the loving care of her family with her daughter at her side, on Friday, October 28, 2022 at the age of 89 years. She is survived by two sons, Mike (Janet) Sprague and Pat (Diana) Sprague; four daughters, Cathy (Dale) Rouwhorst, Peg (Dale) Lundberg, Teresa (Russ) Mosher, and Mary Sprague; 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret "Peggy" Schuhle and Kathleen McGowan, sister-in-law, Alice (Jim) McGowan, brother-in-law, Tom (Rita) Sheehan; special family member, Ned Huestis; and three generations of numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Douglas E. Sprague; brothers, Rev. William J. McGowan, S.J., James (Jim) McGowan; sister, Rita Sheehan and brother-in-law, Stan Schuhle.

In Michigan, Mary spent the first several years raising her children, working at the West Point Party Store, held a few positions at the Western School District and then retired as a Parapro at the Western Options Center (now known as Western Career Prep High School) where she really bonded with and cared about her fellow staff members and special students.

Mary, also known as Mother, Mom, Mamma, Mudder, The Queen, Grandma, Granny, Grandma-Beautiful, Grammy-Squish, Henry, The Best Cook in the World, and Aunt Mary, loved many types of activities including but not limited to; singing as a member of the Queen of Miraculous Medal Choir, participating in several community play productions, fishing (she referred to as "casting"), painting, pottery and competitive activities such as softball, bridge, golf, billiards, archery, family games, bingo, slots and poker with her friends. She also enjoyed supporting all of the many and varied activities of her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her competitive spirit passed to those in her family and helped to bring out the best of their abilities, skill and efforts.

Living in the same home for 66 years she formed many close relationships with friends and neighbors that were a very important part of the life she lived. "Her people" at the West Point Lounge, were a treasured source of encouragement and support, especially in the later years.

Mary cherished her trips home to New York and time spent with her beloved McGowan family, enjoyed fishing at the lake, Bethany beach, family reunions, girls weekends, and endless rounds of cards and family games.

Many have said she was a "one of a kind" icon. Her quick wit, endearing sense of humor and fierce loyalty to her family and friends is incompared. To say that she will be dearly missed doesn't come close to expressing the void that will be left in our hearts.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Thursday, November 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and again on Friday, November 4 at 11:30 AM with a sharing of memories by family beginning at 12:30 PM followed by The Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church with Father Timothy MacDonald officiating.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 132 Years