Mary Lou Sprague-Magdelinskas

Mary Lou Sprague-Magdelinskas, 88, a former resident of Roscoe and Warwick, New York, passed away peacefully in Bethesda, Maryland, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 7, 1937, in Middletown, NY, to Harold and Charlotte Harding Rice, and was raised in Roscoe.

A devoted daughter, sibling, spouse, parent, and grandparent, Mary Lou is survived by her children, Laurie Anne Sprague of Manhattan, and Kenneth Andrew Sprague and his wife, Robin, of Potomac, MD, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Kendall, Warner, and Hunter Sprague. She is also survived by her siblings, Florence Ann Wavle and her husband Al, of Lebanon, OH, and D. John Rice and his wife Sue, of Maine, NY, and their families, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husbands, W. Kimball Sprague, and Vito J. Magdelinskas, as well as her parents and her older sister, Ellen Jane Giffin Probstfeld.

Mary Lou was a proud graduate of Roscoe Central School and Syracuse University. After college, she taught Home Economics and then worked for the Cooperative Extension Service before returning to Roscoe to raise her family. Many people will remember that she owned and managed the IGA in Roscoe for several years, following the death of her first husband in 1993.

In her free time, she enjoyed playing golf and was a devoted fan of the Syracuse University football and basketball teams. She was also very active in several local organizations. A lifelong member of the United Church of Roscoe, she served on the church board for many years. She taught Sunday School, was a member of the Couples’ Club, and sang in the church choir. She also served on the board of the Westfield Flats Cemetery Association.

An enthusiastic and dedicated member of the Roscoe-Rockland Garden Club since 1969, Mary Lou was a past president of the local club and also served on the board of directors of the District X club, where she served as chairperson of the World Gardening committee. In addition, she participated in many garden club events at the district and state levels.

Calling hours will take place on Monday, September 22, from 7:00-9:00 P.M., and on Tuesday, September 23, from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and 7:00-9:00 P.M., at Harris Funeral Home, 11 Railroad Ave., Roscoe, NY. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 24, at the United Church of Roscoe, 2 Church Street, Roscoe, NY, with interment at Riverview Cemetery in Roscoe following the service. Donations in Mary Lou’s memory may be made to the Roscoe-Rockland Garden Club, Roscoe Cares, or the United Church of Roscoe.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe, NY 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200, www.Harris-FH.com