Brenda Sprague, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 18 at Cornerstone Hospice, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, service, laughter, and quiet strength that will live on in all who knew her.
She was born to Louis Bittigar and Lucille McPeck in 1939 in Painesville, Ohio. She graduated from Memorial High School in St. Marys, Ohio in 1957. Brenda is survived by two daughters, Debi Sprague and Sherri Brannon, three grandchildren, Christopher Foresman, Ross Foresman, and Jaime Brannon, and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both her parents, her husband, Mike Sprague, and her brother, Pete Bittigar.
Brenda devoted her life to her family, creating a home that was not only beautifully cared for, but filled with warmth, stability, and unconditional love. As a stay-at-home mother and exemplary military wife, she navigated frequent moves and long separations with grace, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her husband Mike and her children, Debi and Sherri. Wherever life stationed her family, Brenda made it feel like home. She played the roles of both Mom and Dad while her husband Mike served in Vietnam twice. Her care was constant, her presence steady, and her love unfailing as the family moved all over the world and throughout the U.S.
Brenda was known for her energetic and outgoing spirit. She formed lasting friendships wherever she went and was treasured by many for her listening ear, feisty humor, and making everyone around her feel welcome. She enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life: card games, crafts, puzzles, tennis, golf, crocheting, and traveling with dear friends. She was always busy, always social, and always forming meaningful connections. Volunteering and being of service brought her great joy, and she gave freely of her time and heart throughout her life to help others. Operation Shoebox and The Optimists Club were very dear to her heart in her years here as a Villages resident.
We will forever carry with us Brenda’s examples of selflessness, strength, and love. Her life reminds us that true impact is often made not through grand gestures, but through daily acts of care, devotion, and compassion. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
The family would like to thank Cornerstone Hospice for their gentle care. Although her stay there was very brief, in that short time they treated her with respect and grace.
Celebration of Life will be Monday, February 9 at New Covenant Methodist at 11:00 am. After the service she will be interred with her husband, Mike Sprague, at Florida National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that any contributions go to Operation Shoebox, 8360 East Highway 25, Belleview, FL, 34420.