Esther Kathleen Speller

SPELLER, Esther Kathleen April 16, 1911 July 29, 2008 With sadness, we announce the passing of Esther Kathleen Speller on July 29, 2008. Predeceased by her husband Alexander Speller, her brother Cornelius (Jack) Smith, and her parents, Bridget and Joshua Smith, she leaves to mourn her four children Lynne Card (Ron) in Nanoose, Terry in Seattle, Doug (June), and Mary (Doug) in Victoria, and her sister Mary Genest in North Vancouver. Nana will also be missed by her grandchildren Nadine Slingerland, Meredith Card, Jeremy and Barrett Speller, Matthew and Leah Speller, Simon, Sarah, and Amy Tipler, her great-grand-daughters Acacia and Stephanie Slingerland, and many nieces and nephews. Esther was born in Victoria and grew up on Arm Street in Vic West where she went to school, picnicked, and swam in the Gorge. She attended Vic High and left to be a secretary at the Victoria Laundry, where she met Alex. Esther was an avid golfer and Alex regularly met her at the end of her golf game to drive her home. They married in 1938 and moved to Port Alberni and soon after to Nanaimo, to start their family. In 1954, they moved back to Victoria where the four children were raised in the family home on Jackson Street. Esther volunteered with Rose Manor, participated in the local sorority and African Violet Club, and was an enthusiastic and skilled Bridge player. Esther loved to be with her family and in her garden. In the yard on Jackson Street, she created beautiful rock and sunken gardens that were the setting for many children's birthday parties. She was a fabulous host and took immense pride in preparing feasts for family and friends. Esther found great joy in her times at Wall Beach, where lasting friendships began and grew over the years. The family wishes to thank the staff at Oak Bay Lodge for their care and attention to Esther during her last years. A Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Haultain Ave. at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2008 followed by a tea at the home of Doug and June Speller at 3225 Service St. at 11:30. Internment will take place at Hatley Gardens in the afternoon. 488529