Caroline S. Sprague

MONTPELIER - Caroline Smith Sprague, age 90, of Upper Terrace Street, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at The Arbors in Shelburne, Vermont. She felt the comfort of loved ones in the days leading up to and during her passing.

Caroline was born on May 16, 1927, in Barre, to Donald and Freda (Ladd) Smith. She enjoyed a storybook childhood at Windy Wood Farm, a place she forever held close to her heart. After graduating from Spaulding High School, Caroline went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in English from McGill University in Montréal, Canada, where she was also a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. An avid reader who was passionate about learning, Caroline was a standout student who graduated among the top in her class. In 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Sherman Keith Sprague, at her beloved Windy Wood Farm in Barre Town. They eventually settled and began their life together on Upper Terrace Street.

Caroline’s career took her from Vermont Life to Central Vermont Medical Center, where she also served on—and eventually presided over—the hospital’s auxiliary board for many years. Passionate about giving back, Caroline was known as a dedicated volunteer in the community. She was a member of Bethany Church in Montpelier, the American Association of American Women, and the Philomatheans, and served on the board of Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice (CVHHH).

Caroline was an extraordinary mother to three children and a remarkable grandmother to five. She enjoyed many pleasures in life, including reading, knitting, piano, xylophone, traveling, summers at Harvey’s Lake, and—most importantly—a good cup of tea. Her infectious laugh and unwavering love for red will be remembered forever by those close to her.

Caroline is survived by her son, Sherman D. Sprague and his wife, Jackie, of West Barnet; her daughter, Susan Campo and her husband Alan, of Montpelier; her daughter, Sarah Beaudoin, of Burlington; her grandchildren, Sarah Sprague, Peter Campo and his wife Jenn, Katherine Demers, Caroline O’Regan and her husband Sean, Mary McPheat and her husband Eric; and her eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Sherman Keith Sprague; her parents, Donald and Freda Smith; and her brothers, Donald Smith and Chandler Smith.

Her life will be honored on Thursday, December 28, 2017, at 11:00am in Bethany Church of Montpelier. Later inurnment will be made in the Elmwood Cemetery in Barre. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.