SPEAKMAN: The death of Gertrude "Mac" Speakman, beloved mother of Elaine Holmgren and Bonnie Harper, occurred at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Tuesday, July 4, 2006. Complete obituary information to follow. Expressions of Sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.


SPEAKMAN: Gertrude Lewella Speakman passed away on July 4, 2006 at Brandon Regional Health Centre. "Mac" as she was fondly known to friends and relatives, was born on the family farm in Elton Municipality on November 17, 1910, the fourth of six children to Archibald and Maud McLean. Times were tough growing up on the farm but all the children grew up with many happy memories and a strong work ethic. After completing high school in Brookdale, Mac entered nurses' training at Brandon General Hospital and proudly graduated as an RN in 1932. She found immense satisfaction in her chosen profession and did both hospital and private duty nursing. In 1936 she married Thornton "Slim" Speakman. In 1947 Slim opened "Speakman's Confectionary" at 1st Street and Princess Avenue and over the next few years she gradually gave up her career to work with him and raise their two daughters. In 1970 the business was sold and they enjoyed retirement together until Slim's death in 1979. For many years Mac enjoyed curling and had an 8-ender in 1970. She golfed until age 94 and had a hole-in-one in 1982. She was an avid bridge player and was a member of the Valleyview Leisure Club. She is survived by her daughters Elaine (Carl) Holmgren of Calgary, AB, Bonnie Harper of Delta, BC; grandchildren Blake (Jane) Munroe and their children Kiana and Janson of Calgary, AB, Brian (Pam) Munroe of Calgary, AB, Brad Munroe of Prince George, B.C., Lindsay Munroe of Calgary, AB, Luauna (Scott) Hubbard and their son Collin of Thorp Wisconsin, Loree (Gordon) Armstead and their family Kirstie, Julia, and Austin of Regina, SK; brother Herb (Carol) McLean of Tacoma, Washington and many nieces and nephews. Mac was predeceased by her husband Thornton "Slim"; parents Archie and Maud McLean; grandson Grant Harper; brother George McLean; sisters Liz (Ed) Weight, Dora (Frank) Wolfe, and Janet (Ralph) Williams. The Ceremony to Celebrate Gertrude's Life will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North, Brandon on Monday, July 10, 2006 at 1:00pm. Private interment will follow in the Brandon Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Gertrude may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5B7 or to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.