BOWDOIN — Cheryl Mae Sprague, 53, of Bowdoin, passed away peacefully at the home of her parents on Dec. 4, 2012, after a brief illness. She was born Dec. 23, 1958, in Bath, Maine, to Frederick Bradford and Marilyn Sprague.

She graduated Mt. Ararat high school in 1976. She worked for many years as a splicer at Yale Cordage and later at her family’s bakery, Rocky Ridge Orchard. She loved to care for animals, especially cats. She was an avid reader of fiction and a talented gardener who provided fresh vegetables for her family. She could always be depended on to find the best fiddleheads, wild mushrooms, and blackberries. Her greatest love was playing with her “cute, cute, cute” grandchildren and spending time with family.

She was predeceased by her sister Jennifer Sprague- Sewall.

She is survived by her parents; brother Christopher Sprague of Bowdoin; daughter Rachel Vallance and husband Christopher of Jefferson; grandchildren Sarah Mae and William Frederick Vallance; as well many uncles, aunts, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, Dec. 10 at 10 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Brunswick, Maine, with a gathering for family and friends to follow at her parents’ home in Bowdoin.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your local library or animal shelter.