Maria Sparmer

6/15/1961 - 9/15/2025

Montville - Maria Nazare Sparmer passed away peacefully at home Sept. 15, 2025, at the age of 64.

She was born in Meruge, Portugal, June 15, 1961, and lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. A devout Catholic, she carried her beliefs into everything she did, determined to leave the world better than she found it.

She had touched countless lives through her work - in classrooms, in hospitals, in communities, and in the lives of everyone who crossed her path.

Her calling was in nursing and education, where she poured her heart into teaching future nurses at Capital Community College, UConn, St. Paul's School of Nursing, and Three Rivers Community College. Maria believed in her students fiercely, encouraged them tirelessly, and celebrated their every success as if it were her own.

Still, nothing compared to the love she had for her family. Maria is survived by her husband of 32 years, John Joseph Sparmer of Uncasville; and her children, Tabitha Dyer and husband Derek Dyer of Waterford, and Danielle Lynch and husband Tyler Lynch of Charlotte, N.C. She treasured the bond she shared with her siblings, her sister Irene Pantaleao and husband John of Cromwell, her sister Emilia Gil and husband Joao of Rocky Hill, and her brother Jose Da Costa of Hartford. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and their spouses.

Maria was deeply proud of her adored grandchildren, Tyler Dyer and his wife Taylor, Marcus, Marlaina, and Mason Dyer, Lucia Lynch; and her great-grandchildren, Lola and Beau Dyer.

Maria could often be found enjoying life's simple pleasures: a day at the beach, a long walk with her pup Molly, or adventuring with friends. She was compassionate, caring, and had a gift for turning ordinary moments into cherished memories that will be remembered forever..

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at St. John's Church, 22 Maple Avenue, Uncasville. Interment will follow in East Lyme Cemetery, Niantic. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic.

Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence. Contributions in Maria's memory made to Smilow Cancer Center at Waterford, 230 Waterford Pkwy S, Waterford, CT 06385.