Adelaide Caneza Sprague

1921 - 2016

Sprague Adelaide (Lolly) Caneza Sprague died peacefully on April 20, 2016 at the age of 94 at her home in Grapevine, TX. She was born on November 29, 1921 in New Orleans, LA to the late Elizabeth Bauer Caneza and Andrew P. Caneza, Sr. For 37 years she was the wife of the late George L. Sprague and was preceded in death by her daughter Ann E. Sprague and her sister Althea Caneza. She is survived by her brother Andrew P. Caneza of Longwood FL; her three sons Andrew R. Sprague (Mary) of Metairie, LA, Donald Sprague (Cathy Denning) of Grapevine, TX, and Gerard Sprague (Melanie) of Knoxville, TN; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends including her friend and caregiver Gloria Rivas. She lived in New Orleans until relocating to Grapevine in 2003. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in New Orleans, received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ursuline-Brescia College in New Orleans, and a Master of Science Degree from Loyola University in New Orleans. She and her husband were founding members of the former St. Frances Cabrini Church and Parish in New Orleans. At the time of her death, she was a member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Arlington, TX. In addition she was a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of America (Court Mater Dei 868), the Mathematical Association of America, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She was a member of the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana and the Association of Women in Mathematics. After graduating from Ursuline-Brescia College, she worked as a Chemist at the Southern Cotton Oil Laboratory for several years. After receiving a phone call from a dear friend and favorite teacher Sister Louise Aime, C.S.J., principal of St. Rose of Lima School, who needed a certified teacher to add to her faculty; Adelaide began her teaching career. She taught in the Catholic and Public Schools in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes for 29 years. She was a mathematics teacher at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Mount Carmel Academy, St. Joseph Academy, East Jefferson High School, and Bonnabel High School. With the help of Brother Neal Golden, S.C., she introduced the Academic Games to teachers and students of the Jefferson Parish Schools. As a member of Court Mater Dei, she served as a counselor for Junior Catholic Daughter troops in New Orleans and Metairie. She and her husband were active in Court Mater Dei activities for many years. After retiring she enjoyed traveling; playing bridge; hiking; reading; playing the piano; genealogy; taking mathematics, physics, and engineering courses on her laptop; and watching the EWTN Global Catholic Television Network. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, LA 70005 on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. Interment will occur after Mass at All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Adelaide (Lolly) may be made to Chi Chi's Rescue Ranch, Inc., 32245 Equestrian Trl., Sorrento, FL 32776 or to Dallas-Fort Worth Dachshund Rescue Foundation, P.O. Box 1892, Colleyville, TX 76034.