SPRAGUE, Debra Jane – Debra Jane Sprague, 72, passed away on April 24th in her home in Orrington, Maine, surrounded by her family after a year long battle with brain cancer.
Born in St. Stephen, NB Canada on June 3rd, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Virgina Armstrong of Milltown, NB. She went to St. Stephen High School. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Fredrick Sprague, at a Diablo dance when she was 17. They went on to marry on June 16th 1973 and created a family with 3 daughters, that were Debra’s pride and joy. She always said that God gave her everything she had ever wanted when she became a wife and mother.
Debbie had numerous talents and wore many hats in her beautiful lifetime. She was first and foremost an amazing Mother. She was also a kind and devoted friend to many, a lover of gardening and the creator of beautiful crafts. She had a talent for decorating her home in a way that made everybody who walked through the door feel cozy and welcomed. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. Every year she took great joy in creating a magical wonderland, and was known for the many beautifully decorated Christmas trees that could be found in each room of her home. She loved them so much that they often would stay up well into April when she would change the decorations on the trees to transform them into Easter trees to welcome Spring.
Debbie’s work life included time as a Dental Hygienist for Dr. Cooper of Milltown, NB; working as an executive secretary for Georgia Pacific, and as a secretary for Roger Hunniwell, CPA in Baileyville, Maine. Her God given gift however, was her ability to be a caregiver. She did it lovingly for the children she cared for, those in need in the community, and anyone who needed a shoulder to cry on. She cared for her Mother, Aunt and other family members in their last years, making sure they were comfortable and well taken care of with patience and kindness in their final hours.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Fred Sprague of Baileyville, Maine and her three daughters, Kelley Sprague of Milford, Maine, Heather Sprague of Orrington, Maine, and Megan Sprague of Ellsworth, Maine plus a bonus daughter, Myrna Gilmore of Orrington, Maine. She is also survived by her siblings Robert Armstrong and his wife Karen of Stanley, NB; Pamela Tucker and husband Kurt of St. Stephen, NB, and brother-in-law Phil Sprague and wife Linda of Belgrade, Maine; many nieces and nephews; plus granddogs Cricket and Charlie.
Debra’s family would like to thank all of the wonderful friends, family, and neighbors for the love and support shown in the last year since Debbie began her cancer journey. They give special thanks to Lee and Debbie Conrad, Glenys and Bruce Gray, and Marjorie Withers and family. They would also like to express their gratitude for the kindness, compassion, and care that Debbie received from Northern Lights Cancer Care in Bangor Me and all the Hospice nurses and CNAs from Gentiva Hospice Care.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 13th at 1:00 at the United Baptist Church of Ellsworth, located at 28 Hancock St. in Ellsworth Maine. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 20th at 1:00 at the Red Beach Cemetery in Red Beach Maine.
Debbie was so thankful to be close to the medical care, doctors and treatments that gave her more time with her family. Those who wish should make a memorial donation in Debra’s name to Sarah’s House in Holden, Maine.