Obituary of Mary Enid Speight

Mary Enid Speight (nee Ross) passed away peacefully at home with her daughter by her side on May 7th, 2021. She was born on May 11th, 1929, in Flat River, Prince Edward Island to the late Enid D. Ross (nee Sullvian) and Phillip N. Ross. She is preceded in death by basically everyone, including 7 of her 8 siblings, Phillip "Buddy" (Georgina), William "Bill" (Mary), James Douglas "Dougie" (Kemi), John Donald, Helen (Bill), Doris Eileen, and Donald "Donny", of whom she was the oldest, her first husband William Prunty, and second husband Lawrence "Larry" Speight. She will be deeply missed by the few she left behind, Sister, Jaqueline, sister-in-law, Kay, daughter Lorena (Robert), granddaughter Chantal (Federico) whom she affectionately called her "little buckaroo", numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. Mary was married to Larry Speight (pronounced ‘spite’) on May 7th, 1960, in Greenwood, Nova Scotia. It was at this time that she took on the name that couldn’t have better defined her. She embodied all the characteristics one would expect of someone with such a surname. Always having a witty response and clever quip to every situation, everyone who knew Mary will remember her for a hilarious comeback to whatever situation they found themselves in. Recently, when asked by daughter Lori if she thought she was dying, she shot back with "I don’t know, I’ve never died before". While her body ultimately gave up on her, her brain never did, and she remained sharp as a whip until the very end. Despite her tough exterior, Mary was a big softy. To the bewilderment of her daughter and granddaughter, she won the hearts of all of those who cared for her in her later years, despite being the true caricature of a stuffy and stubborn elderly woman. She was especially loved by her pharmacist Will, and doctors Jody and Elizabeth, but no more so than her dear and doting support worker, Melissa, who began working for the family in 2013. She quickly became an adopted daughter to Mary and went above and beyond her job description to provide love, companionship, and aid. Mary had many passions in life, some of which being music (especially classic country, George Jones was her favourite), playing guitar (only if a thumb pick was available, if not, forget it.), liver and onions, a thick ribeye steak, Big 8 cola, a cold Coors Light, a good kitchen party, and soap operas, namely "The Young & the Restless". She loved "The Young & the Restless" so much, that everyone in her close circle knew that they were not allowed to phone between 4-5pm Monday-Friday, and anyone who would happen to drop in to visit in that hour would be forced to QUIETLY watch, whether they were interested or not. In her final weeks when Mary was no longer able to get out of bed, Melissa would turn up the volume of the TV on full blast so Mary could still listen to "The Young & the Restless" and then would come into the bedroom on commercial breaks to fill her in on what she missed. True to her character, Mary passed away on Mother’s Day, her daughter suspects so no one will ever forget the anniversary of her death. Though all who knew her and loved her would argue that she’ll be a hard soul to forget. You just couldn’t put that old possum in a cage! The family would like to thank all the extramural nurses at Horizon Health Driscoll Unit and dear family friend Marioly for making Mary’s wishes to spend her final days at home possible. For this we will be forever grateful. We would also like to thank Rick and the rest of the staff at Tuttle Brothers Funeral Home in Riverview, New Brunswick for their care, empathy, and compassion over these last few days. Arrangements entrusted to Tuttle Brothers Riverview Funeral Home, 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB (506)857-8564 Online condolences go to www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca Burial Information Cremation Services provided by Tuttle Brother Crematorium, Coverdale Rd. Riverview Requested Charity Charity of the donor's choice