- Mary R. Sparks, 95, formerly of Campeau Drive and Sanctuary at St. Paul’s in South Bend and currently residing in Kendallville, IN, passed away at 5:08 pm Tuesday, July 7, 2015 in Lutheran Life Villages, Kendallville, IN. She was born June 26, 1920 in Newton Highlands, MA to the late Maurice A. and Mildred L. (Levi) Reidy.
On August 21, 1948 in Newton Centre, MA, Mary married David E. Sparks, who preceded her in death on May 26, 2005. She was also preceded by a son, Michael S. Sparks on November 18, 1986, and three brothers, Maurice A. Reidy, Jr., Roger P. Reidy, and Parker Reidy.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth M. Sparks of Willimantic, CT; sons, David G. (Paula) of Millersville, MD, George F. (Mary) Sparks of Hanover Park, IL, John P. (Ginny) Sparks of Kendallville, IN and Joseph M. Sparks of Ft. Collins, CO; nine grandchildren, Shawn D. (Jenna) Sparks and Craig L. Sparks, both of Baltimore, MD, Christopher G. (Cori) Sparks of Illinois, Robert J. (Kim) Sparks of New York, NY, Sarah M. (C.J.) Herron of Cincinnati, OH, Kathryn R. (Evan) Wisthuff of Chicago, IL, Christian M. (Melissa) Sparks of Detroit, MI, Rachel E. (Freddie) Sparks of Grapevine, TX and Joshua D. (Jenn) Sparks of Murrieta, CA; and eight great grandchildren, Henry and Eleanor Herron and George, Mitchell, Avery, Eli Michael, Isabella and Madeline Sparks. She is also survived by sisters, Sarah J. Bergstrom of Topsfield, MA and Judith A. Brigham of Wenham, MA.
Mary graduated from Emanuel College, MIT and Andrews University. She first worked as an aeronautical engineer at Republic Aviation in New York, NY. On September 1, 1971, Mary and David relocated to South Bend, IN, where Mary began her teaching career in math and physics in the South Bend Community School Corporation. She was a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Science Teachers Association, Indiana Retired Teachers Association, a “Teacher in Space” finalist, Elbel Women’s 18 Hole Golf League and Michiana Figure Skaters Association. Mary also volunteered at Harbor Light Hospice for 10 years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Saturday, July 11, 2015 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill Street, South Bend, IN. Graveside services and burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 - 8:00 pm Friday, July 10, 2015 in the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 pm.
Memorial contributions may be donated to Harbor Light Hospice, 1608 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or St. Joseph Catholic Grade School, 216 N. Hill Street, South Bend, IN 46617. [1]
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1920 - 2015 (95 years)
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