Mary E. Sparks Obituary
Mary Evelyn Sparks, Ph.D., 81, of Apache Junction, AZ and St. Charles, IL passed away on June 11, 2015. The beloved daughter of the late George Samuel and Evelyn Rose Sparks, sister of the late James V. Sparks and the late Bellemarie Sparks. She was born and raised in Chicago, IL. As a religious sister, she was known as Sr. Anthony Claret, O.S.F. a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. As a Franciscan sister she was an elementary and secondary school teacher (1955-1967). She marched for civil rights and social justice in the 1960’s. She published numerous articles on social justice. Dr. Sparks taught at The College of St. Francis, Joliet, IL (1966-1967), Mundelein College, Chicago, IL (1968-1991) and Loyola University, Chicago, IL (1991-1998). She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Douglas McCain of Apache Junction, AZ and brother and sister-in-law, George and Susan Sparks of Keller, TX. She is also survived by the following nephews and nieces: Brian Sparks, Debbie Sparks Samborski, Angela Sparks Olander, Robert McCain, Susan McCain Olson, George Sparks Jr., Jennifer Sparks and Sarah Elizabeth Sparks Branham, as well as many grand nieces and nephews.
A visitation and funeral Mass was held on June 25, 2015 at St. George’s Parish, Apache Junction, AZ with interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Mesa, AZ. A celebration of Mary’s life is planned for later this year in Illinois.
If possible I would very much like to receive information about thedate of the service in Illinois. Mary was a force in my life when I was a weekendcollege student at Mundelein. She was brilliant . Her liberalism changed my life forever. I am humbled and grateful to have known her. Warmest regards and heartfelt sympathy to her family
Mary was one of the best college professors I had. Intelligent and hard working, she made a strong impression on me as a woman who was committed to helping the disenfranchised. A remarkable woman.
Thank you for the kind words and thoughts . We miss her terribly.
Thank you . Mary was a devoted teacher. It’s so good to hear that her students held her in such high regard.
The most beautiful teacher I ever had.St.Francis Academy 1960