ELIZABETH JEAN SPEERS

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ELIZABETH JEAN SPEERS Elizabeth Jean Speers (nee Connal), born in Montreal on May 9, 1925, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2015. Elizabeth is remembered by her husband of 61 years, Archie, daughter Dianne (Ian Forbes), sons Bill (Laurie) and Peter (Mich Varas), and grand-children; Mary and Jack Forbes, and Ryan and Christine Speers. Elizabeth was known to her childhood friends as Betty. Betty had fond memories of her maternal family home in Peterborough, Ontario where she spent each summer with cousins Mary and Margaret. Elizabeth graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill in 1946 and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto in 1948. As a professional, colleagues knew Elizabeth as Liz. The position that brought Liz to Winnipeg was as Director of the Junior Club Department of the YWCA where she established the first summer day care camp at St. Vital Park. Liz was given the task of creating and organizing all daily activities for the campers. Employed by the Community Welfare Planning Council as Executive Director, Liz participated in the Volunteer Bureau, Juvenile and Family Court, Housing and Urban Renewal Committee, and Neighbourhood Service Center. As a social worker, Liz visited many aboriginal reserves and committed herself to helping those who were oppressed or disadvantaged. She had a strong sense of justice for all. Liz was the first Executive Director of Family Planning (now Planned Parenthood) where she educated youth about sexual health by visiting high schools throughout the city. She took her responsibility to the Winnipeg youth seriously and was respected by adults and youth alike. The Canada Employment and Immigration Service is where Liz worked as the Regional Youth Consultant. She instituted the C.E.C. Career Resource Center, had a major role in the Career Symposium, chaired the Western Region for University and College Planning, published articles, scripted radio programs and attended various conventions. Elizabeth applied her organizational skills to her personal life, managing the family, the house and the cottage while she worked full time. She was known to all who knew her well as an intelligent, liberal, forward-thinking and compassionate person. Liz was generous, loving and had a great sense of humour. Memberships included the Canada and Manitoba Association of Social Workers, Canada Girl Guides Camp Committee, Winnipeg Rotary Innerwheel, the Council of Women of Manitoba (life member), and Vice President of the National Executive of the alumnae chapter of the Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the United Way of Winnipeg. The Speers family would like to offer special thanks to the staff on 1A and 3D Wings at Riverview Health Centre. Bardal Funeral Home 204-774-7474 Condolences www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2016