Mary Jane Springman, 79, Died; Former Westport Teacher
Mary Jane Springman, wife of Joseph W. Springman for 56 years, was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to William Shea and Ruth (Wisnousky) Shea on November 14, 1943. After her parents' deaths in 1952, she was raised by her father's sisters, Alice Johnson of Pasadena, CA, and Marguerite Sommer of Haverford, PA.
Mary Jane attended St. Elizabeth's school in Altadena, CA, Harriton High School in Rosemont, PA, Immaculata College in Malvern, PA, receiving her BA from the Pennsylvania State University in State College in 1965. In 1988 she received an MA in American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford.
Before her marriage she taught English in Westport, CT, for a year, then as the wife of a submarine officer, she moved several times, most notably to Pearl Harbor and Mare Island Navy bases.
After returning to Connecticut, she was the co-author of two books, East Granby, the Evolution of a Connecticut Town and Images of America: Simsbury. She served on the board of the Simsbury Historical Society, where she republished Clavin Fisher's A Spy at Ticonderoga and calendars of historic photos, and on the board of the Simsbury Free Library, editing its newsletter and researching and writing historical articles for many issues.
She served as the president of the Greater Hartford branch of the American Association of University Women where she made lasting friends. In addition to her two much-appreciated private book clubs, since 1997 she facilitated the Simsbury Senior Center's book club.
She and Joe enjoyed traveling, sometimes taking their children and grandchildren along. Her family was the major focus of Mary Jane's life. In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by her two sons: Brian, his wife Toni and their children Sean, Kyle and Emilia of Charlotte, NC, and Andrew, his wife Kimberly and their son Christopher of Harrisburg, NC, and son Benjamin and his wife Christina of New Ipswich, NH. She also leaves behind her cherished sister, Patricia Shea Mei, and her husband, Tony, of Novato, CA, and their children and grandchildren. Interment in Simsbury Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to the charity or cause of your choice. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Mary Jane's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Morning Weather Report
Today
A 20 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. North wind around 6 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Light northeast wind.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
High Tides
12:01 PM
Low Tides
6:00 AM / 6:14 PM
Westport Property Transfers: August 8th - 12th; Highest Sale at $4.2 Million in Beachside Common
Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $40,747.50
Total Sales: $16,299,000.00
Highest Transfer Price: 15 Beachside Common: $4,200,000
Lowest Transfer Price: 14 Reimer Road: $550,000
Transfers:
15 Beachside Common: $4,200,000
183 Sturges Highway: $2,850,000
23 Westfair Drive: $2,300,000
3 Windrush Lane: $1,999,000
5 Barbara Place: $1,595,000
319 Lansdowne: $1,035,000
32 Highland Road: $935,000
115 Harvest Commons: $835,000
14 Reimer Road: $550,000
Morning Weather Report
Today
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Light south wind increasing to 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind 3 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind 3 to 8 mph.
High Tides
11:26 AM / 11:36 PM
Low Tides
5:24 AM / 5:37 PM