LUCY SPEAKE

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LUCY SPEAKE November 8, 1915 - February 7, 2008 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Lucy, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma, aunt and friend, who passed away on February 7, 2008 at the age of 92 years, and surrounded by her family, at the Charleswood Care Centre. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband, her one true love Edward (Teddy) in 1967, and her beloved youngest daughter Sandra in 1986. She was the sole survivor of her siblings, her dearly loved sister Clara; brothers, Joseph, Samuel and James. She will be sadly missed by her loving family, daughter Dawn and son-in-law Dave Nerbas; treasured grandchildren, Nadine (Todd) Black and Russell (Suzanne) Nerbas; adored great-grandchildren, Bradley (Lauren) Black, Brittany Black, Ryan Nerbas, Jordan Nerbas and Brendan Nerbas. Also left to grieve her passing is her loving second family, her adored niece Beryl (Bel Bel) and husband Ian Hatcher of Brisbane, Australia, Jaimie (Alison) Hatcher, Philippa (Ewan) Peterson, Julian Hatcher, Richard (Mary) Hatcher, and all their families - all in Australia. Their many visits to Canada were some of her treasured memories in her later years, as were her own trips to see them. Mom also leaves her cousin Samuel (Lillian) Broadhurst in Calgary, and many nephews and nieces around the world, and her many friends. Mom was a mover and shaker all her life, starting with Dad's five-year war time active service with the R.A.F. when she kept the home fires burning looking after two small daughters, helping the war effort working on assembling tank chains at a local factory, and doing shifts as an air raid warden. Through it all she kept her wry sense of humour which stayed with her until her passing. In Winnipeg Mom worked in the health food business with two companies for over 30 years and made many lasting friendships. She was a past President of the British Wives Association and was an avid participant and instructor in ballroom dancing and enjoyed five pin bowling. While her eyesight was good she enjoyed pegging rugs, wool and cloth ones which will remain family treasures. We all knew better than to phone her when the Blue Bombers were on TV, she was a true football fan, Bombers, Bisons, American Football included. She knew all the rules and no infraction got past her. She enjoyed going to as many games as she could, summer, or the cold play-off games, where her trusty thermos was on hand. Mom always insisted that If a job was worth doing, it was worth doing well. Her love of travel took her many places, many times. Australia, Papua New Guinea, Bermuda, Nassau, England, New Zealand, Hawaii, several places across Canada and the United States. She also enjoyed her travels to Barbados with her daughter Sandra - who can ever forget the story of her taking her picture of the Jolly Roger ? Some times it was hard to keep track of her. Mom officially retired at the age of 65, which opened the door to another 15 years of volunteering. She volunteered at the St. Amant Centre for many years. Never having a driver's license, or the desire to drive, she went by bus, summer and winter, from one side of the city to the other - to her a labour of love. She later added Beacon Hill and went to both for awhile. Eventually she had to cut down and stayed at Beacon Hill, but soon added two days on the gift cart at St. Boniface Hospital. Despite her active lifestyle, her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Never a dull moment when Gram (Cookie) was around. None of the above kept Mom from being available at any time to help her family - anytime for anything, a true testament of her love for us all. In 1994 we finally talked Mom into moving into a new complex in the Charleswood area to be close to her daughter, and although her spirit was willing, she was having a few health problems and needed to slow down. She still participated in activities and outings at her new home and enjoyed 10 years there. For the past four years Mom was a resident at The Charleswood Care Centre. Our sincere and heartfelt Thank You to so many wonderful people who looked after Mom with dedicated professional care, friendship and love - in all areas. Lori, Maggie, Colleen, Kim, Lindsay, Lois, Janet, Eadie, Mary F., Juanita, just to name a few. Thank You Pat for your frequent visits to Mom, she always enjoyed seeing you. The support and understanding you all extended to the entire family will always be remembered and appreciated. Many thanks also to Dr. Gunness Maharaj for looking after Mom so well while in his care for many years, you are very special to our family. To Helen K. your regular calls of concern and caring for Mom and the family over the past few years helped so much, you and Pat are always pillars of support and true friends. Thank You from our hearts. God Bless you all, you know Lucy (Lulu) loved all of you. We would also like to Thank Chaplain Wanda Derksen for the Spiritual comfort, compassion and understanding given to Mom and the family. You were then, and are now, a Blessing. Your friendship inspired Mom always and meant a great deal to her. Cremation has taken place and in accordance with Mom's wishes, no formal service will be held. A private blessing and celebration of her well lived life will be held at a later date with Chaplain Wanda Derksen officiating. Donations in Mom's memory would be appreciated to The Residents Sunshine Fund, in care of Charleswood Care Centre, 5501 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3R 0G8. Hold dear to your parents for it is a scary and confusing world without them - Emily Dickinson. Mizpah Mom, we will love and miss you always. Our comfort is in knowing you are with your darling Teddy and Sandra once gain in the arms of God.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2008