Obituary of Katherine Speers

Katherine R. Speers, 98, of Lafayette Hill, PA, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2022, surrounded by her family. Known as Kay to her family and friends, she was born on October 17, 1923 in Chestnut Hill, PA to the late Clarence J. and Cathrien (nee Duggan) Roberts.  She grew up in Fort Washington, PA and graduated from Springfield High School with the Class of 1942.  Kay married her high school sweetheart,  James W. Speers, after his return from World War II, and settled in Lafayette Hill, PA where she raised her family.

Kay’s career started in The Montgomery County Courts where she worked as a supervisor for many years before becoming the Honorable Katherine R. Speers as a District Justice in the Magisterial Court 38-1-23.  She truly loved her work and helping the people of Montgomery County. She is fondly remembered by the attorneys, police and many of the citizens that appeared before her.   

In addition to her work and home life she was a leader in her community and a founding member of many clubs and organizations in Whitemarsh Township.  She was the first President of the Whitemarsh Lioness Club, a board member of the Whitemarsh Questers Club, and Treasurer of the Saint Philip Neri Philippians Club, where she has been a parishioner since 1947.  She was honored as a Whitemarsh Township Citizen of the Month for her many accomplishments.  Kay’s association with the William Bolton Dixon Post of the American Legion began in her teens.  She and her sisters were members of an all girl harmonica band.   They learned the Legion Post was forming a coed Drum and Bugle Corps and they joined that.   Kay association with the Auxiliary of the William Bolton Dixon American Legion Post #10 in Fort Washington, PA was nearly 85 years.   She served as President and Treasurer.  She was a true patriot and enjoyed serving Veterans and their families.

In her free time, she loved vacationing and spending time with her family in Sea Isle City, NJ. The holidays were a special time for Kay and she looked forward to hosting her extended family. Many fond memories were made in her loving home.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Speers, her sisters, Mary R. Roberts, Nora R. Fox and Anna R. Willox and her brother Clarence Roberts.

She is survived by her children, Barbara S. Hoffman (Jack) of Whitemarsh Township, and Thomas J. Speers (Donna) of Plymouth Township. Kay is the loving grandmother of Charles Speers (Carole), Melissa Guarino (Joe), Jennifer Hoffman, John Hoffman (Theresa), Bill Speers, and Jim Speers (Bryn).  She is also the proud great-grandmother of 11: Katie, Ryan, Colin, Jack, Dylan, Tyler, Nora, Emmett, Henry, John, and Olivia.

Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, August 23 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at Saint Philip Neri Church in Lafayette Hill.  Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at the Barren Hill Cemetery in Lafayette Hill, PA.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in her name can be made to Saint Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.