Cathryn A. “Kate” Sprague, 61, of Coupeville, died March 16, 2003, following a heroic struggle with multiple sclerosis. Her family was with her as she passed on.

Born in Portland, Ore., Mrs. Sprague was raised in Burien and later attended the University of Washington. At the university she studied what was to be her lifelong passion — young children. Her life included homemaking with her husband of 40 years, Brinton Sprague, and being mother to three sons, Eric, Christopher and Patrick. Joining the family were three daughters-in-law, Pamela, Pamela, and Billie, and seven fine grandchildren — Andrew, Abigail, Michael, Madeline, Jacob, Lindsey, and Kristen. She was very close to her brother and sister-in-law, Mitchell and Karen.

Known affectionately by her school children as Mrs. Kate, her career as an early childhood educator lasted for 25 years on Bainbridge Island and Whidbey Island. She provided education to hundreds of young children that emphasized creativity and social and intellectual development. An authority on children’s art, she made many presentations on the use of art as an indicator of children’s development.

Said one graduate of Mrs. Kate’s Oak Harbor pre-school: “She always let us be creative, she taught us a lot of different things, she kept a smile on her face when something made her upset and she let us explore the world for ourselves.” Her home was a virtual pre-school with dozens of objects for play and learning. Nothing delighted her more than a house full of children and grandchildren staying for the weekend where, as Grammy, she could enjoy her grandchildren and give them her love.

Memorial services will be held at noon Saturday, April 5, at United Methodist Church in Coupeville, 608 N. Main St. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.