Julie A. Sprague

Julie A. Sprague, 81, of Black River, New York, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024, at Samaritan Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief battle with cancer. 

Born on January 13, 1943, in Watertown, New York, she was the daughter of John Francis Crescent and Virginia (Fiashetti) McCrea. Julie graduated from Watertown High School and married Lewis B. Sprague, Jr., on October 13, 1962, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. Mr. Sprague, who passed away on March 9, 2020, was a member of the Carpenters Union in Watertown and retired from Grenadier Construction Company in 1998. 

Julie dedicated herself to various roles, retiring from Guthrie Clinic on Fort Drum in 2000 and later working part-time at Black River Elementary for seven years. She and Lewis made their home in Black River, New York, since 1968, where Julie actively volunteered for elections and was a dedicated member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church for 75 years. She had a passion for gardening, knitting, and crocheting, and cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Julie was a cherished member of multiple ladies’ groups, including the Lunch Bunch, Sassy Seniors, Friends Forever, the Widows Club, the DeFeriet Seniors, Ya Ya's and Red Hats. 

She is survived by her three children: Lisa A. Perusquia of Black River, New York; Robert L. Sprague of Watertown, New York; and Jayme L. and Christopher Reustle of Black River, New York. Her grandchildren include Anthony and his companion Jenna Greenwood, Jessica and Dylan Sampson, Brooke, Jeremy, Brandon, and Bailey, and her great-grandchildren Brayden and Briella. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl and Nunzio Fazio of Florida, her brother and sister in law, David and Penny McCrea of Henderson Harbor, New York, her half-brother and his companion,  Dominic (Debbie) Crescent, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Robert McCrea, who raised her since the age of four, and her beloved husband, Lewis B. Sprague, Jr. 

 Arrangements are entrusted to Bruce Funeral Home, Black River. 

A Funeral Mass will be said on Friday, April 26th, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, with a gathering for friends in Dosti Hall following the Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 320 W Lynde Street, Watertown, New York, 13601. 

Online condolences can be shared at www.brucefh.com.

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