Elaine Sprunger

Our dear mother and grandmother (Lois) Elaine Garrod Sprunger passed away at the age of 95 on September 14, 2023. Elaine was an only child born in 1928 to Arthur and Victoria Garrod of Philadelphia, PA. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Robert J. Sprunger in 1991, by several first cousins, and by many close friends. She is survived by her children Beth (Michael) Berkowitz and Paul (Katie) Sprunger, and by her five adored grandchildren; Abigail (Erin Kinney-Sprunger) Sprunger, Olivia Sprunger, Jared (Lana LaBarbera) Berkowitz, Kelsey Berkowitz, and Kyle (Kevin Vietmeier) Berkowitz. She is also survived by members of her extended family with whom she spent happy family reunions over the years, by her close friends Diana and Roger Corbett, and by many others who knew and loved her.

After briefly attending Temple University, proud Philadelphia city girl Elaine met country boy and sailor Robert (Bob) John Sprunger and they married in June 1950. Elaine was at first a chemist’s wife, but soon became a pastor’s wife and thrived in that role. In 1968 Elaine and Bob moved to Hoosick Falls, NY where Bob was long-time pastor of the First United Church, Presbyterian.
Beth and Paul remember a happy childhood shepherded by a wonderful mother who was always there when they came home from school, baked Christmas cookies every day in December, and supported their activities; including innumerable band concerts and plays and practices and scout meetings, at one point acting as the Girl Scout cookie mother for the entire town for several years. Elaine was an accomplished bowler, acting as secretary for her bowling league and once bowling a perfect game. She sang soprano for many seasons with the Bennington County Choral Society, sometimes participating in small group solos. And of course as pastor’s wife she was involved in all the church’s activities, including too many fall bazaars and church dinners and vacation bible schools to count, and was a key member of the church choir. After her children left home Elaine worked as a legal secretary and volunteered at a local doctors’ office, accruing over 5000 hours of service. After 50 years in Hoosick Falls, Elaine moved to Wisconsin in 2018 to be near both of her children.

Elaine will be remembered for her wonderful singing voice, her joy when she was with family, her ability to talk (at length) to all sorts of people, and her skill in making and keeping friends.

A private family memorial will be held.

Donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to the Living Hope Presbyterian Church (Menomonee Falls, WI) or to the College of Wooster (Ohio).