Isabelle Nivens

Anne Isabelle “Coosie” Adams Sparshott Nivens, 92, of St. Mary’s County, MD, died Monday, April 6, 2009, at Calvert County Nursing Center in the presence of her grandchildren and son-in-law. Born July 10, 1916, in Compton, MD, on Combs Creek, she was the youngest child of the late Lucy Agnes Pope and Captain Benjamin Franklin Adams. As a native of St. Mary’s County, she attended formal education where she graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1934. While in school, she received accolades for her writing of an essay that was published in the local newspaper about the historic Maryland Tercentenary celebration of 1934. As a young woman, she followed most of her siblings to Washington, DC, where she worked at the Park View playground as a wading pool attendant, also later employed by Hubert Caterer-Confectioner, and having worked at the famous Mayflower Hotel as well. She was the wife of the late Emery Robert Sparshott whom she married on the anniversary of her birthday on July 10, 1944. Together they had two children; a daughter, Carol Anne Sparshott-Stockman, and a son, Robert Emery Sparshott. Shortly afterward, with her husband and children, she relocated to Hyattsville, MD where they lived for many years. After being widowed, she re-married to Paul Frank Nivens in 1975, later returning to St. Mary’s County and residing in Golden Beach, MD. Most of all, she enjoyed being in the presence of her family and spending time with loved ones, devotedly raising her children and grandchildren well. She is remembered for her sharp witted nature and fun loving spirit. She served others by giving the gifts of laughter, compassion, and kindness while in her presence. A devout Catholic her entire life, she found peace and healing in daily prayer. Some of her hobbies included playing the piano, listening to music, cooking, sewing, writing, walking, gardening, nature, and movies. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by both husbands, both children, and all of her siblings, Bernard Gibbons Adams, John Carroll Adams, Mary Lillian Adams Simpson Brush, Rose Leone Adams Ryan, James Leonard Adams, Paul Joseph Adams, and Catherine Lorena Adams Forrester. She is survived by her grandchildren, Carol C. Stockman of Hollywood, MD; Lara Hood of Lusby, MD; Rhiana Stockman of Lexington Park, MD; Brian Sparshott of Mechanicsville, MD; Billy Sparshott of Golden Beach, MD; Mary Sparshott of Silver Spring, MD; Robert Sparshott of Ellijay, GA; and several great grandchildren. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Richard Stockman of Hollywood, MD; and daughter-in-law, Susan Sparshott of Mechanicsville, MD. Family will receive friends on Thursday, April 16, 2009, from 9-10 AM at the Raymond Funeral Chapel in La Plata, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the same day at 11 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church located at 21370 Newtone Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. The Rev. John Mattingly will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 1889, La Plata, MD 20646 or Hospice of Calvert County, PO Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Isabelle Nivens

July 10, 1916 - April 6, 2009