Lea Mae Speth, 92, formerly of Lanesborough, MA, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, with her children by her side at Mount Carmel Care Center in Lenox.

Born in Lanesborough, MA on October 9, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Leah Rando Langenback. She was a 1951 graduate of Pittsfield High School.

Lea married Joseph J. Speth on April 26, 1952. He predeceased her on September 21, 1994.

Lea worked for Kelly's Diner in Pittsfield, Charlotte County Schools and Englewood Community Hospital in Florida.

A communicant of St. Joseph Church, she enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and spending time with her family.

Lea is survived by her children, William J. Speth and wife Laura of Windsor, MA, Thomas J. Speth and wife Teresa of Lee, MA, Daniel L. Speth and wife Kathleen of Cheshire, MA, Sandra C. Wheeler and longtime companion Dan Stephenson of Lanesborough, MA, and Sheila K. Finch and husband Ken of Geneva, IL; Eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; her sister, Dorothy Clairmont of Lanesborough and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers and five sisters.

Lea's family would like to thank the team at Mount Carmel Care Center for the compassionate and tender care they provided.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 1 PM. Burial will be private at a later date in Fairview Cemetery in Dalton. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her name to Hospice of Berkshire County or the Dalton American Legion in care of the funeral home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Jan. 23, 2026.

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Charles B Smith

January 24, 2026

To The Speth Family, Sorry to hear about Aunt Mae's Passing, She will be deeply missed.

Joan Knysh Mitchell

January 24, 2026

Sandy and Sheila~~ I am so sorry to read about your Mothers passing. Sending prayers to you and your family.

Deborah Maynard

January 24, 2026

To the Speth family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers for all.

Joy Perrin

January 24, 2026

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Brian Kardasen

January 23, 2026

Sorry for your loss.

Sara Horton

January 23, 2026

GRANDMA
My grandmother, my mother´s mother, was strong, opinionated, and quirky . There was something incredibly special about our bond. She wasn´t just my grandmother she was my companion, and for much of my childhood, a constant presence in our home and in my life.

She lived with us for most of my early years, and some of my clearest memories are the everyday ones. I remember waking her up when she slept past noon. I remember her love taking care of us. Clothes were always washed, kitchen was always scrubbed, and nothing, absolutely nothing, went to waste. She taught me how to cook, how to show people you love them through food.

She kept us on our toes. She filled our days with silly tunes and familiar phrases so many that our minds will never be empty of her voice. She always reminded me to get a Powerball ticket, just in case. Or when she heard the doorbell she would hope it was Ed McMann with publishers clearing house ready to give her a life size check. How she would give anyone the clothes off her back if they needed them. She literally did that once. She ended every phone call with, "I love you more." And during some of the hardest and loneliest times of my life, she called me every single day just to talk. If she wasn´t on the phone, there was something in my mailbox a card, a note, a reminder that I was never alone.

I will think of her every time my phone rings.
Every time I get my mail.
Every time I play the lottery.
Every time I pray to the Blessed Mother.
Every time the Red Sox win.
Every time I make soup stock.
Every time I don´t eat the peels of an orange.
Every time I do laundry, oh how she would love my laundry room.
Every time I say "I love you more"

I know she is with me every day now, in spirit watching, guiding, and loving me the way she always has. And I can´t wait for the day I see her again, when she wraps me in one of her big hugs and gives me that familiar wet grandma cheek kiss in heaven.

Until then, I carry her with me in my kitchen, in my faith, in my mailbox, and in my heart. Always.

Karen Ann Theoret

January 23, 2026

Sandy and Danny. I am so sorry to hear your mom passed away. You are all in my prayers, may your mom rest in peace

Lori May

January 23, 2026

Sandy,
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.

P.J. Pannesco

January 23, 2026

Bill, Tom, Danny, Sandy and Sheila,.....I was so sad to hear that your mom passed away. I have such fond memories of her.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.....Mat your mom rest in peace.

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