Salem: Johann E. (MacLeod) Houlihan, age 73 of Salem, died unexpectedly at her home Saturday, March 13, 2010. She was the wife of the late Thomas B. Houlihan, Jr.
Born in Oakland, Nova Scotia, she was the daughter of the late Ross and Enola (Burgoyne) MacLeod. Johann and her husband moved to Long Island, NY from Nova Scotia in 1960, where Tom was employed by American Airlines and Johann worked in banking. In 1970 he was transferred to Boston and the family settled in Salem where she continued to work in banking in the Salem area.
Johann's passion and life's chosen purpose was her devotion to her family. 'Anna', as the children called her, provided the primary care from their birth through their school years, allowing Pam and David to continue their careers. Till present, Johann embraced the unique and loving relationship they had shared into their adult years. She cherished their time together, and the children adored her. They spent hours with her as she shared her childhood stories of her life in Nova Scotia. She lovingly provided them with confidence, wisdom and devoted unconditional love. The Sprenger children and their 'Anna' shared a love like no other.
She is survived by a daughter, Pamela E. Sprenger and her husband David of Swampscott, 4 grandchildren, Mackenzie Ross Sprenger and his wife Janice of Long Beach, CA, Robert Thomas Sprenger of Marblehead, Nina Elizabeth Sprenger and Quinn Patrick Sprenger both of Swampscott, 3 great-grandchildren, Mason Sprenger of Lynn, Vivian & Wyatt Sprenger both of Long Beach, CA. She is also survived by several nieces & nephews as well as many cousins in Nova Scotia.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, March 19, 2010 at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., to be followed by her funeral mass in Ste. Anne Church, Jefferson Ave., Salem at 11 a.m. A committal service will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, in Salem. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. For additional information and guestbook, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com