Mary-Jane Sprague

Mary-Jane (Jid) Sprague (93) of Williamstown, MA, passed away on November 16, 2025 in Pittsfield, MA. Her long life was defined by her generosity, love and fierce devotion to her family and community.
Jid was married to her husband, John Sprague, for 69 years until his passing in 2021. She is survived by her son John Sprague, Jr. of Shutesbury, MA, her son Bill and his wife Liz Sprague of Williamstown, MA, her daughter Cathy and her husband Steve Wolf of Logan, UT, and her youngest son David and his wife Mitsuyo Sprague of Sterling, VA. In addition, Jid is survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons.
Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1932, Jid was the daughter of Doris (Pinkham) Whitney and Travis Whitney. She graduated from The Friends School in 1949 and from Smith College in 1953. While at Smith she met her future husband on a blind date and they were married in 1952. While John was in the US Navy during the Korean War, Jid taught elementary school in Norfolk, Virginia. After the Navy, Jid and John moved to Palo Alto, CA where John received his PhD from Stanford University and their first two children were born.
After Jid and her family moved back east, living between Williamstown and Holden Massachusetts and raising their growing young family, Jid began a long career of giving back to her community through volunteer work. She was an avid feminist, striving to support the rights of women. She especially focused her time and care to the Girls Clubs of America (now called Girls Inc.), in Worcester and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and serving for a time as National Board President of the Girls Club from 1980-1984, helping to steer policy for the organization. Her volunteer work reflected key values that drove her every day- lifting up young women, advocating for their education and development and ensuring that they felt supported and seen, especially in their formative years.
In later years, Jid dedicated her time to the Williamstown Theater Festival, where she served as Treasurer. In addition, she served on the board of Springfield College, and was granted an honorary doctorate by MCLA. For many years she supported the Clark Art Museum, St. John's Church in Williamstown, and other local organizations. Her involvement was never service - it was personal. She cared deeply about her community, and was strongly committed to family and friends, offering her time and compassion whenever and wherever they were needed.
Jid and John loved to travel, attend wine tasting dinners, and spend time with their children and grandchildren. Their home on Bee Hill was the heart of the family - a place of laughter, lively debate and unconditional love. Whether hosting holiday gatherings, summer visits, or quiet weekends, Jid made everyone feel treasured and welcome.
Funeral services will be held at a later date to be determined by the family. Memorial contributions can be made to Girls Inc. of the Berkshires (https://brighamcenter.org/girls-inc) or to St John's Episcopal Church (https://stjohnswilliamstown.org/). To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com