SPEAKE, Marjorie

Marjorie Speake of Ottawa, ON., beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and dear friend. Passed away peacefully Jan 8, 2022 at age 93 after a brief illness, her family by her side. Predeceased by her loving husband of 45 years, William George Speake (1926 - 1994). Marjorie will be missed by her children, Mary-Louise Hayward (David) of Ottawa, Kathleen Speake (David Justinich) of Ottawa, and William Speake of Hamilton, ON.

Marjorie was born in London, ON August 17, 1928 to Gordon Guymer and Evelyn Louise Guymer (Webber).  Loving sister to Louise Beattie of Bothwell ON (deceased) and Karen Burt of London ON.  Fondly remembered by an extended family of cherished nieces, nephews and their children.  Always in our hearts, Marjorie will be remembered for her kindness and generosity, her love of camping, sewing, baseball and her devotion to her family.

Marjorie was a fighter. She grew up during the depression in a loving family and learned how to adapt to anything that came along. Her early loves were baking with her grandmother, attending baseball games and church services with her father, and taking her younger sister to Saturday matinees.

Despite the loss of her husband at the start of their retirement years,  she continued to travel the world, including to China and Portugal. She wintered in her trailer in Florida and spent summers at her campsite on White Lake, ON. Wherever she went, she made friends. Twice a year for more than 15 years, she would drive solo with her dog from Ottawa to Southern Ontario to visit her son, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews. And to maybe see a Blue Jays game or visit Niagara vineyards with her son.

A master at crocheting and tatting, Marjorie leaves behind a lifetime collection of beautifully handmade pieces, including delicate tablecloths and cozy afghans.

While raising a family of three kids, a dog and other assorted animals, she retrained as a library technician and had a long and successful full-time career at Nepean High School Library on Broadview Avenue in Ottawa helping decades of high school students. 

It is said we can measure a life by the hole that is left behind and by the way one touches other lives. She was generous and caring, supporting numerous charities and empathising with the troubles of those less fortunate, including opening her heart and home to abandoned pets.

The family would like to acknowledge the kind and professional staff at the Waterford Retirement Community on Bank Street in Ottawa, where she happily lived her final years, as well as the medical staff at the Ottawa General Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion. And to her special friends and fellow residents, she will be missed at the dinner table, as well as in the atrium where she would gather with friends to share stories. 

We miss you Mom! A celebration of Marjorie’s life is to be scheduled for a later date. If you would like to be contacted with this information, please indicate in the Tribute section. Donations can be made to those charities dearest to Marjorie:

Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs

https://www.dogguides.com/index.html

The Ottawa Mission

https://ottawamission.com

“In Life, In Death, O Lord, Abide with Me”

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May God give you the strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times. May this message bring you the testimony of a profound and sincere sympathy. To help you forget these sad hours, may our thoughts bring you comfort and serenity. Although flowers wither, die and disappear, their precious perfume remains. Like these bright flowers, those we love never die, they remain with us forever imprinted in our memories. There are no words to express how much we are devastated by the loss you live. We just hope that our sympathy will bring you some relief.

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18 messages received

Mary-Louise & Dave & to the Speake family,

We wish to offer our sincerest condolences to you and the family. Marjorie was a remarkable interesting person. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family.

Joanne & Mike Larocque, January 14, 2022

Mary-Louise, Dave and Speake Family

We fondly remember Marjorie at the yearly Christmas Eve Open Houses at your house. She was always a great conversationalist. We extend our deepest sympathies.

Dave Simpson and Pat Redmond, January 14, 2022

Kathleen and Dave

Dear Friends,
News of your mum's passing, Kathleen, leaves a small hole in our hearts down here. We greatly enjoyed her company, and if we can judge the mother by the daughter, she deserves the highest praise.
Ed and Sheila, Edith, Jerome and Loraine

Edward MacDonald, January 14, 2022

Kathleen Speake and David Justinich

Our deepest sympathy to you both. May your Mother rest in peace. We have made a donation to Canada Guide Dogs. Sincerely Peter and Eleanor Lecours

Eleanor Lecours, January 14, 2022

Mary-Louise Kathleen and Willuam

My sincere condolences to you all. Your Mom was so full of life and was able to carve out quite a path even after your Dad passed and she continued to live a long life. She was quite a gal. I have fond memories of our neighborhood. Take good care

Kathleen Caught, January 14, 2022

The "Family"

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your dearest mother.
I found her to be one of the kindness, and gentle people I have ever met.
I am glad that I knew her.
Heaven has gained another angel.
May Mrs. S rest in peace forever.

Ian Green, January 15, 2022

Kathleen Speake

Our hearts are with you after the loss of your mother, Kathleen. She was a remarkable woman, and you were blessed to have had her for as long as you did. She was also blessed to have had you for a daughter. We are sure your loving care made her final years not just comfortable but joyful, and we hope that that is a comfort for you. Her obituary is absolutely lovely. We had no idea that she was an avid camper, but we are not surprised. Also not surprised that she was able to juggle family, dog and career. She was intellectually curious and sharp until the very end. You did not mention her pie making! Richard and I are happy that Georgia took to her and brightened a couple of her days, not to mention those of her fellow residents. What a dog lover! We will contribute to Canada Guide Dogs.

Jude Rand and Richard Moon, January 15, 2022

Kathleen Speake & Family

My sincere condolences to you all.
I served her for her meals in the dining room for three years before I transferred at the reception. As well as my mom, as a PSW, Litamar. We knew her as soft-spoken, very warmed hearted and kind. Me and my mom were both saddened when we heard the news of her passing. May God give you strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times. Be strong. She is in a better place now.

Kaithlin & Litamar, January 16, 2022

Mare Kathleen William and assorted outlaw Daves

John "AKA John Tom" as Auntie Marge called him forwarded me a text back after I let him know of your Mom's passing. "That was to bad I will really miss her .She was one of the few like you(Paula ) and Mom that accepted me for who I am. Yeah, I was always John Tom to her, like I said I will miss her." Love John Tom,

Paula Hathaway, January 16, 2022

Kathleen and Dave and the Speake Family

Marjorie was a beautiful woman, loving mom and dear friend. Being such a sharp, interesting and strong lady, it was always a joy conversing with her. I always learned something new, whether it was news of her children, reminiscing about past times, or current events. We also shared a passion for animals, especially our dogs. I will always cherish our phone conversations. In memory of your mom, donation made to Canada Guide Dogs. My thoughts continue to be with Kathleen, Dave and Family.

Joanne Benoit, January 16, 2022

Kathleen Speake and family

Kathleen and David, this tribute to your Mother is lovely. Her life was well lived. Kathleen I see that you carry many of your Mother's gifts. May the warmth and memories of these comfort you.
Jo-Anne and Lloyd

Jo-Anne Ferguson, January 16, 2022

Mary-Louise, Kathy and Bill,

I want to extend my sincere condolences to each of you on the loss of your mother.

As you know , Marjorie and I worked together many years in the library at Nepean High School. Fifteen, to be exact, and she continued her employment there as a library technician for many years to follow.

Marjorie was excellent at her work, ably handling the technical aspects and detail required in the role. She was always unassuming, congenial and supportive. It was a pleasure to work with her. Both the school, and I, owe her a debt of gratitude for her many years of dedicated service.

I do hope that she found enjoyment in her retirement years.

Please contact me for Marjorie's celebration of life. Thank you.

Marjorie Bieber , January 16, 2022

Kathleen Speake and David Justinich

Dear Kathleen, Dave and the Speake Family,
We are sending our deepest sympathies and comfort on the loss of Mrs Speake your mom and friend. We had the pleasure of enjoying time with Majorie, delicious dinners and playing with her dogs she was so warm and welcoming and shared her wonderful sense of humour. Our family will always be grateful for her kindness and compassion. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Majorie, our thoughts and prayers are with you much Love From Arizona The Justinich Family Chris, Denise, Shauna and John

Denise Justinich , January 17, 2022

Kathleen and family

We were so happy to have met Marjorie and Milo and to have forged a friendship together that lasted a number of years. Your mom was a special person, always engaging, patient, and kind. We are thinking of you all at this difficult time.
“What a beautiful difference a single life makes”
Lisa, Tom, Emma, Ben, Sam, Abby and Isaac

Lisa, Tom, Emma, Ben, Sam, and Issac Jackson/Wong, January 18, 2022

Kathleen and extended family

Please accept my sympathy in the loss of your mother. It was my pleasure to have met her and enjoy her company in the later months of her long and productive life. I miss her very much.

Caroline Gowdy Williams, January 18, 2022

Kathleen, David and family

Sending our heartfelt condolences on the loss of you Mom. May the many memories help heal your heavy heart. Know that we can see that many of your Mom's wonderful traits live on in you. As you said, she was a fighter, generous and caring. Sending love and a big hug.

Jenifer Sullivan, January 19, 2022

The Speake Family

Mary-Louise, Kathy, Bill, and families,
We just received the news of your mothers passing. Sending all of you our deepest sympathy and condolences. Susan and Tim have many memories of good times spent with your family before life took everyone in different directions. I will always remember your mom's warm smile. Perhaps we can join with you on a virtual Celebration of Life on a future date. Until then, God Bless.
Sincerely, Jackie, & Susan Speake

Jackie Blanchard, January 30, 2022

Mary-Louise and family

Dear Mary-Louise,
May the wonderful memories of your mother's love be with you and comfort you always.
Olga
(UofW roommate)

Olga Brenko Gill, September 20, 2023