Obituary of Sarah Knapp Sprole

Sarah Knapp Sprole, a Darien resident for 58 years and a lifelong philanthropist and community volunteer, died at her home on September 11. Mrs. Sprole, 85 was the wife of recently deceased Frank Arnott Sprole for 66 years. Mrs. Sprole was born in Rye, New York on September 13, 1924. She was the daughter of William Jared Knapp and Carrie Louise Allen Knapp and was raised in Rye, New York and Santa Barbara, California. She and her husband lived in New York City and New Canaan before moving to Darien in 1952. Mrs. Sprole and her husband spent their winters at a second home in Vero Beach, Florida. Educated at Rye Country Day School, Mrs. Sprole was graduated from Chatham Hall and received an associate's degree from Sarah Lawrence College. A dedicated philanthropist and volunteer, Mrs. Sprole supported her school, Chatham Hall, and was a member of their Board of Trustees as well as class agent. She also worked tirelessly in helping the underprivileged through Person to Person at St. Luke's Church in Darien. She especially enjoyed preparing flowers for the St. Luke's Altar Guild. Mrs. Sprole's creative talents and horticultural skills played a major role in her volunteer efforts. An active member in the Garden Club of Darien, she was recently recognized with The Club Appreciation Award for 50 years of continuing service. In Florida Mrs. Sprole was dedicated to establishing and promoting the McKee Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach. She was known as a "gatekeeper" of the gardens. Mrs. Sprole was most devoted to spending time with her husband and family, considering raising her five children her most satisfying achievement. Mrs. Sprole is survived by her children: Wendy Sprole Bangs and husband, William, of St. Charles, IL; Frank Jared Sprole and his wife, Beth, of Wilton, CT; Anne Sprole Mauk and her husband, Paul, of New Canaan, CT; Jonathan Knapp Sprole and his wife, Andrea, of New Canaan, CT; Sarah Sprole Obregon and her husband, Richard, of Denver, CO; nineteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, six nieces and nephews, their families and her husband's nephew and family. A memorial service will be held at 11AM Monday, September 20th at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Connecticut, 306 Industrial Park Road, Suite 107, Middletown, CT 06457; Chatham Hall School, 800 Chatham Hall Circle, Chatham, VA, 24531; or McKee Botanical Garden, 350 US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL, 32962. Edward Lawrence Funeral Home of Darien is handling arrangements. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820