Kathryn Mae Sprung

Kathryn Mae Sprung

Kathryn saw one hundred springs from 1925-2025 and in between those years, life has sprung forth. That first spring, Helen, Harvey, Frances and Chuckie helped welcome Kathryn, the fifth blessing given to the marriage of Charles and Regina. Robert's arrival made Kathryn a big sister. With Kathryn's passing this spring, that family is now reunited and knows a joy that this world cannot give. From the perspective of 100 years, this beginning was as a shoot emerging from the earth.

As this young sprout moved through the classrooms and hallways of St. Marys' High School, her Irish eyes smiled when they encountered those of Thomas. And with the blush of love, that shoot knew its natural transformation. The sacrament of matrimony was received in 1950: the family tree of Thomas and Kathryn, planted firmly in the soil of the Catholic Faith, had begun.

Over the next sixteen years, the tree knew enduring moments, especially the arrival of four bundles of Blue, followed by a significant transplant from the city of Black and Gold to NE Ohio, where four more blossoms filled Kathryn's arms: her first Pinks, another Blue and the last, Pink. The tree of Kathryn and Thomas knew flourishment, despite the buffeting winds, hailstorms and branches of loved ones felled too soon. In those trying moments, Kathryn leaned into her belief in the Creator of the visible and the invisible. And when her hand could no longer hold that of Thomas, both hands held her rosary.

Kathryn's vitality was noticed by those in her presence. The varied landscape of her life's joys was as a meadow of wildflowers. She appreciated the voice of Perry Como, the intensity of Jack Lambert, and movies of Good triumphing over Evil. She loved Tom's family management – and whatever musical piece he thought she needed to hear; Ken's well-dressed mantles & tables -- and incredible devoted care; Ray's quick wittedness and ever-playfulness; Kathy's steadfast faithfulness and sweet treats; Sandy's colorful doting; Barry's stories, which never failed to penetrate her heart with warmth and laughter; and Amy's love of learning. She was Dave's spiritual Simon of Cyrene.

Regardless of our interests, Kathryn and Thomas desired that our minds and hearts be united in the search for that which is of Goodness, Truth and Beauty. Kathryn was fortunate to see these attributes being introduced and handed on to her fifteen grandchildren and, currently, five great-grandchildren.

This last spring of her life, Kathryn was blessed to be accompanied on her final ascent by Tommy's acoustic rhythms, her soul knowing the insulation of the Apostolic Blessing and prayers of thanksgiving for a Beautiful Life lived well.

Visitation for Kathryn's friends and loved ones will be at Lamiell Funeral Home Thursday April 24, 6-8PM. The funeral Mass for Kathryn will be at Little Flower Church Friday April 25 at 10:00. Interment will follow at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens.

To share your prayers and fond memories during this tender time, please visit www.lamielllfuneralhome.com.