Donna Ryan Sprague

Bangor

Donna Ryan Sprague, 71, passed away on June 29th, 2022 from complications of Alzheimer’s. Donna was born in Bangor on August 31, 1950 to Donald E. Ryan and Margarette “Mary” (Clark) Ryan.

Donna graduated from Bangor High School in 1968 and from the University of Maine in 1972 with a degree in elementary education.

She was a stay at home mother for several years, and started working at her children’s Nursery School, Winnie-the-Pooh, where she eventually became director, a position she held until 1989. From there she went on to teach K-5 for 16 years at the Saint John campus of All Saints Catholic School. After taking some time off to care for her mother, Donna returned to what she loved most, teaching small children, and taught pre-Kindergarten at Hermon Elementary for 9 years until her retirement in 2014. Donna was a dedicated teacher who passionately loved children and put her heart and soul into their education.

Donna loved going to the ocean, especially to Pine Point beach in Scarborough and to Mount Desert Island, and relaxing by her pool. She especially loved spending time with her family.

In her later years, her granddaughter Monica brought her joy and love beyond measure.

She was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bangor, and served for a time on the Parish Council.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, her grandparents, and an infant brother, Robert.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Daniel Sprague, sons Brian Sprague of Nashua NH and Christopher Sprague of Gorham, along with his wife Martha and daughter Monica. She is also survived by her siblings Karen Johnson and her husband Richard of Buxton, Denise Ryan of Bangor, and Richard Ryan and his wife Lynn of Hampden, along with her much loved nieces Lisa Weymouth and her husband Scott of Scarborough, and Stacie Craig and her husband Mark of Kensington, NH, Megan Ryan of Ellsworth and Molly Ryan of Hampden. She also leaves behind her beloved grand-nieces and nephews Katey, Anna, Caleb, and Allison, her aunt Janeen Oles of Buffalo NY, and a close family friend, Renee Lindsey of Bangor.

Friends are invited to meet with the family 5 pm to 7 pm Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 :00 a.m. Wednesday July 6, 2022 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ohio St., Bangor. The Rite of committal will follow at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor.

The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brooking-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.