Mary Grosch Sprague

Mary Elizabeth Grosch Sprague went peacefully to the Father in Heaven surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 4:24 pm age 68 after a long, courageous battle with colon and liver cancer. Daughter of the late Joseph Henry Grosch and Mary Ellen Simmons Grosch. Devoted wife of 45 years of Andrew Ronald Sprague. Beloved mother of Tammy Sprague Ronquillo, Joseph Sprague, John Sprague, and George Sprague. Proud and loving grandmother (MeMe) of Angel Ronquillo, Tatiana Ronquillo, Robbie Cerise, and Brody Bordes Sprague. Loving sister of JoAnn Grosch Casso, Sharon Grosch Donato (Bobby), and Anna Mae Welch. Niece of Alberta Simmons Bowles and Beth Simmons. Sister-in-law of Donald Sprague (Cathy) and Jerry Sprague (Melanie). She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews, along with her comfort companion dog Duke.
Mary never wavered in her complete faith in God. She never met a stranger, always had a smile on her face, and would give her last penny to help others. Her kindness and the dignity with which she faced her illness was an inspiration to all she met.
Mary was born in New Orleans on January 15, 1950, and was a lifelong resident of Metairie. She was a graduate of St. Christopher Catholic School, Annunciation Catholic High School, and a proud alumni of UNO. She was a parishioner of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church for 36 years, and a member of the St. Edward’s Grandparents Club, Ladies Council, and several prayer groups. She loved going to church, praying to Jesus, gardening (especially growing Bromeliads and Birds of Paradise plants), and being with her family. She was a completely devoted mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend. There are no words to express the pain of her loss in our lives. Her kindness, wisdom, advice, and love cannot be replaced.
We thank all of the nurses at the East Jefferson Hospital Yenni Cancer Center for their wonderful care of her these last 3 years. We thank Dr. Thomas Cosgriff, Dr. Wallace Jeanfreau, and Dr. Nicholas Pappas for giving us these extra 3 years with her.
After being told that nothing more could be done last week, she told us that now she can do more to help us by being an angel in heaven. We love you Momma.
Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 4921 West Metairie Avenue, on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 12:00 Noon with visitation starting at 10:00 am, followed by a graveside rosary prayer service and interment at Cypress Grove Cemetery, 120 City Park Avenue, New Orleans.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Grosch Sprague, please visit our floral store.