Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Spear

It is with profound sadness and hope in the Resurrection that the family announces the death of Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Spear on June 15, 2017, following a period of failing health. Betty died at home surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 9, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Margaret (McLaughlin) and Harry Ketchum. Betty found many ways to express her creativity as a hairdresser, homemaker and seamstress, including making wedding and bridesmaid dresses for her daughter’s weddings. Over the years, each grandchild was given something homemade by "Nan". Love and care for family was always her primary focus. Love of hockey followed closely behind. Betty is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Charles Spear, and their six children: daughters, Lori (Kevin) Clynick, Gina (Earle) Burrows, Carla (John) Olive and Angie (Dana) Sprague; and sons, Gerald (Claudette) Spear and Geoffrey (Heather) Spear. She is lovingly remembered by grandchildren: Justine, Kirstie, Nicholas, Emily, Jason, Matthew, Ryan, Christopher, Harrison, Reid, Gregory, Elizabeth, Alicia and Lauren, and one great-granddaughter Emilie. Also left to cherish her memory is her sister, Sister Rose Ketchum of Saskatoon, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her five sisters and six brothers: sisters, Peggy, Eileen, Joan and infants Catherine and Helen; and brothers, infant Willard, George, Bob, Raymond, Harry "Tiny" and Leonard. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 18, 2017 from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 31 Gondola Point Rd., Rothesay, NB on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Ocean View Memorial Gardens. The family would like to extend a special thanks of appreciation to Betty’s caregivers Lucy, Connie and Christine. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Parkinson’s Society or Stay-Strong Oncology Exercise Program.