Dorothy "Mary" Sproul, passed away on January 11, 2022 in Springhill. Born on May 20th, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Frank Brown and Dorothy (Price) Brown. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Mary lived a very full and active life. She played softball for many years in the Springhill women’s league, was a beekeeper in the 1950s, loved trout fishing, bowling, and making clothes.
In 1969 Mary purchased her first Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever, and so began her life’s greatest passion as a breeder and promoter of the toller for over 30 years. Her kennel produced the first Best in Show winner in the world, and she was the first Breeder/Owner/Handler Best in Show winner as well. Mary tirelessly worked to improve the breed for decades, and her contributions to the Toller world were immense. She brought joy to hundreds of people who bought a puppy from her. If you own one of these wonderful dogs, chances are that one or more of her dogs are in their pedigree.
Mary is survived by her sons Bill (Carolyn) Wilmot, Jim (Kim) Sackville, and George (Gillian) Maccan; sister Louise (Saint John); grandchildren Bonnie (Edmonton), Elizabeth (Spruce Grove AB), Christopher (Springhill), Victoria (Point de Bute), Mitchell (Berwick), Danielle (St. Johns), and Kathleen (Maccan); great grandchildren Kristen, Madison, Isabel, Colson, Hallie, Logan,, Maira, Magnus and Myrddin; a niece and many nephews.
Mary was predeceased by her husband John in 2008; sisters Carol and Betty; brothers Douglas, Ben, Philip and daughter-in-law Tracy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A H Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane St., Springhill, NS (902-597-2361). A celebration of life will take place in the spring.
The family would like to thank the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) for many years of outstanding care and the Springhill EHS for their excellent service.
Memorial donations may be made to the VON Cumberland, 43 Prince Arthur St. PO Box 362, Amherst NS, B4H 3Z5 (902) 667-8796 or the SPCA.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A H Brown Funeral Services Facebook Page.
