Anne Kennedy MacLachlan Sparks' Obituary
Anne Kennedy MacLachlan Sparks, 86 of Miami Florida passed away on Saturday,
August 26 th 2023. She was recently diagnosed with vascular dementia and died
peacefully in her home.
Anne was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on October 24, 1936. Before her first birthday,
she and her mother, Sheinah, emigrated to America to live in New York with her father
John, who arrived months earlier. Years later, her brother Colin and sister Joanie were
born in Brooklyn, where the family lived until they moved to Miami in 1945.
Anne attended Kinlock Junior High, Miami Senior High and The Florida State University,
where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree. Upon
graduation in 1958, Anne began her 37-year career as an educator teaching 4 th , 5 th and
6 th grades at Melrose Elementary before transferring to Everglades Elementary in 1963.
She was so much more than a classroom teacher, she was a motivator, mentor, grade
chairperson, and the UTD steward. Anne also wrote, produced and directed the annual
parent/teacher talent shows, she was named Teacher of the Year in 1975, and was
featured as a Miami Herald’s Profiles of Outstanding Educators. She was a true Miami
Dolphin fan, a proud Seminole, and was an active member of Suncoast Sweet Adelines
for over 30 years. She loved her family and friends, and adored her grandchildren.
Anne is survived by her husband of 61 years, Terry Sparks and their two children, Kristi
Sparks Sellars (Lew) and Craig Sparks. God blessed “Granne” with five grandchildren:
Matthew Sparks (Amber), Trey Sellars, Bryan Sparks, Courtney Sellars and Leigh Anne
Sellars and two great-grandsons: Lincoln Sparks and Benjamin Sparks.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM (with a gathering at 10:00 AM) on
Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Van Orsdel Kendall, 11220 N. Kendall Drive, Miami
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to a favorite charity,
organization or cause, in her honor.
What’s your fondest memory of Anne?
What’s a lesson you learned from Anne?
Share a story where Anne's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Anne you’ll never forget.
How did Anne make you smile?