Mary Florence Sponenberg

Mary Florence ""Clancy"" Sponenberg, was born in Denver, Colorado June 13^th, 1932. She passed away August 31^st, 2018 with her family beside her. She was the 3^rd daughter born to Thomas F. And Florence L. Burke. Preceded in death are her two sisters, Joann K. Hanson and Dorothy L. Frolick. Also preceded in death are her spouse, Master Sgt. Carl L. Sponenberg and her youngest son of seven children, Steven G. Sponenberg. Surviving are her children David L. Sponenberg (Tava M. Morgan), Michael E. Sponenberg, William T. Sponenberg, Carla M. Yanushka (John A. Yanushka, Jr.) Donna L. Sponenberg, Lori A. Parsons (David R. Parsons). Mary's grandchildren are Matthew L. Sponenberg (Erika N. Sponenberg), Jessica R. Sponenberg (Cole A. Schlam) Tarah M. Olmstead (Mathew W. Olmstead), Johnathan D. Sponenberg (Tiffany M. Sponenberg), Erica N. Adams (Sgt. Thomas C. Adams), Christopher D. Parsons, and Connor A. Sponenberg. Mary's great grandchildren are Aubree J. Adams and Avery M. Sponenberg. Mary is survived by her brother Thomas F. Burke (Joyce Burke) of Oceanside, California. Mary graduated from Weber County High School may 1950 in Ogden, Utah. In 1949 and during her senior year she became a Civil Air Patrol cadet and received a Civil Air Patrol Certificate of Accomplishment from Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. From 1952-1956, Mary worked for the Naval Supply Depot in Clearfield, Utah as a clerk typist. She was introduced to Carl L. Sponenberg by her brother Thomas (both marines), and married Carl in May 1956. She relocated with Carl to Hastings, Nebraska where he was stationed. Mary worked for Tom & Jerry's TV service as an ""office girl"" until 1957 when she left due to the blessing of her first born, David. Mary and Carl eventually relocated in 1959 to Oceanside, California where Mary and Carl's family grew by two more sons, Michael and William. In 1960, Mary started working at the Marine Corps base in Camp Pendleton as a clerk typist until the family grew by three daughters, Carla, Donna, and Lori. Mary loved being a with her children during these years keeping busy with their many sports and activities. She loved having the family participate in local parades, going to the drive in, and going to the beach. When Carl retired in May 1971 from the USMC the Sponenberg family moved to Colorado where son, Steven, was born just a few months afterwards in July. Mary worked for The Girl Scouts of America for several years before becoming employed with the federal government in the US Treasury Department (IRS) as a tax examiner. Mary earned many awards and recognitions for her contributions and excellence in job performance. During these years, when the family was blessed with grandchildren, she became knowns as ""grandma football"" not only because she had a great interest in football but because she was one of NFL's greatest fans and knew every team and their most important players. Upon retirement at the age of 72, Mary was presented the Albert Gallatin Award. (he was known for his profound ethics in government financial wellness for the US Citizens). All through her life, Mary's Catholic faith and commitment to serving our Lord, Jesus Christ, was immense. She volunteered with the women's guild for many years devoting many hours to helping those less fortunate. She became passionate with cross stitch artwork and spent months at a time on a single picture that through the years, resulted in many beautiful pieces of art. Mary, our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin, will be greatly missed by all of her loved ones. We will miss the mountains of Christmas cookies she made every year! God has blessed us for the many years we had Mary in our lives and the many memories we've made together. We will miss you, Mary!

Visitation: September 12, 2018 6:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - Metro North/Thornton
9998 Grant Street
Thornton, CO 80229

Rosary: September 12, 2018 7:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - Metro North/Thornton
9998 Grant Street
Thornton, CO 80229

Funeral Mass: September 13, 2018 10:30 am

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
11385 Grant Drive
Northglenn, CO 80233
303-452-2041
http://www.ihmco.org/

Graveside Service: September 13, 2018 2:00 pm

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80236
(303) 761-0117
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftlogan.asp