Mary Jean Sprague

NEW PALTZ- Mary Jean Sprague, age 54, of New Paltz, died suddenly on Thursday, March 6, 2014.
She was born Jan. 24, 1960 on Long Island, N.Y., the daughter of Regina (Peyton) and the late John Dawson.
She grew up in southern Connecticut eventually becoming a night nurse at Stamford Hospital. It was then that she met and married Dr. C. Davis Sprague on June 14, 1986 at Mohonk Mountain House. They settled into their lives together in New Paltz.
Mary Jean's passion for happiness led her to experience many roles in life. She was an athlete, a healer, an expert crafter, a volunteer, and a rescuer. Mary Jean was a member and secretary of the Newburgh Kiwanis Club; past Lieutenant Governor for the Eastern New York Kiwanis Division; Key Club supporter and liaison to Circle K at SUNY New Paltz. She was a lover of animals and was very involved in dog rescue, especially her own Enchanted Terrier Rescue. She was an east coast transporter, traveling from Florida to Ohio, and was the guide for uniting over a thousand dogs with their forever homes. She worked with the seniors at New Windsor Country Inn, crafted with local friends, and was always there to support those in need. Mary Jean was constantly doing something for someone; she was an integral part of so many lives. It made her happy to be giving of her many gifts, and especially her heart.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Curtis D. Sprague; her son, Christopher and his wife Mikel Dawson of Olympia, Wash.; three daughters, Marissa Dawson of New Paltz, Dannielle DiAngelo and her husband Christopher of Greenwich, Conn., and Rachel Sprague of New Paltz; mother, Regina Dawson of Jupiter, Fla.; four sisters: Jill Mahoney and her husband Michael of Stratford, Conn., Judy Robinson and her husband Doug of Fairfield, Conn., Sheila Dawson of Stamford, Conn., and Susan McIntosh and her husband Tom of Stamford, Conn.; four brothers: John and his wife Kate Dawson of Silver Spring, Md., Joseph and his wife Dianne Dawson of Richmond, Va., Michael and his wife Gayle Dawson of New Milford, Conn., and James and his wife Cheryl Dawson of Oviedo, Fla.; granddaughters, Crysta and Mikela Dawson of Olympia, Wash.; and many, many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Copeland Funeral Home, 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz. Burial will be private at the discretion of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Mary Jean's memory to either: Animal Rescue Foundation, 85 Lucy Run Road, Amelia, Ohio, 32926 (http://www.animalrescuefundamelia.com/) or Animal Care Center, P.O. Box 429, St. John, USVI 00831 (http://www.stjohnani malcarecenter.com/)
Arrangements are under the direction of the Copeland Funeral Home, 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, N.Y., 12561. Condolences may be made to the family at www.copelandfhnp.com