Emily J. (Garofalo) Sparkman of Lakeville died peacefully on April 13, 2023. She was 103.
She was born on January 14, 1920 in Middleboro, daughter of the late Pasquale and Lena (Giardullo) Garofalo.
Prior to retirement, Mrs. Sparkman worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Employment Security.
Always active and social, Emily was a true people person. She loved the Lakeville Council on Aging, where she served on the Board and participated in numerous activities. She enjoyed her walking club, shuffleboard, cornhole and bingo. While residing in the nursing home, Emily continued to play bingo and her upbeat personality raised the spirits of many. She loved music, played the violin and enjoyed dancing, especially the polka with her husband. Emily loved her family and that love was returned. She had tremendous faith and found solace in the Church.
Beloved wife of the late Fred J. Sparkman. Devoted mother of Brenda L. Vincent of Santa Clara, Utah, Jeanne C. Freitas of Lakeville, MA, Susan Sweed of Bedford, NH and the late Fred Sparkman of Tucson, Arizona. Loving sister of Leonard Garofalo of Middleboro, MA and Geneva Gilbert of Fairhope, Alabama, the late Mike, Nick, John, Flora and Yolanda. Cherished grandmother of Scott Freitas, Todd Freitas, Camden Sweed and Tyler Sweed. Adored great-grandmother of Heidi Freitas, Brian Freitas and Brianna Freitas. Also survived by nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours on May 5, 2023 (Friday) from 4 until 7 p.m. in the O'Neill Funeral Home, 59 Peirce Street, Middleboro.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 6, 2023 (Saturday) at 10 a.m. in Saints Martha and Mary Church, 354 Bedford Street (Route 18) Lakeville. Interment will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org)
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