Celeste M. Speer's Obituary
Celeste McDermott Speer, 89, of South Bethany Beach, Delaware, passed away suddenly as a result of a tragic pedestrian accident on Friday, May 19, 2023, in Bethany Beach, DE. She was born on January 6, 1934, in Wayne, PA, daughter of the late John J. and Elizabeth McDermott and preceded in death by her beloved husband, John F. Speer Jr. She is survived by her four children: Christie (Roger) Price, John F. Speer III (Maria), Dawn (Taylor) Young, Cathy (Bob) McKinnell; and six grandchildren: Kelly and Nicole McKinnell; John Taylor and Courtney Young; Jack and Decker Speer.
Celeste and John moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 1958 upon completion of her BS in Education from Pennsylvania State University. In 1968, they purchased a vacant lot on North 2nd and Ocean Drive, which turned into a 50+ year love for this small strip of beach that would become South Bethany. They were both very involved in the town’s Historical Society, Beautification Committee and Celeste was a member of the Women’s Group, volunteered for the South Bethany Cottage Tour and diligently made her rounds as a member of the neighborhood watch.
Celeste LOVED swimming in the ocean and could routinely be seen in her wetsuit headed into the water. She also enjoyed gardening, painting, ice skating, rollerblading (into her 70's), riding her banana bike, dance classes, ice cream and visits from her grandchildren.
Anyone who knew her appreciated Celeste's kind and gentle manner. She was often referred to as a "Saint" not just because of her strong Catholic faith -- but because she was genuinely a good, generous, and thoughtful person who always put others before herself.
Celeste was very active at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, she attended mass daily, volunteered at the food bank and spent months painting items for the church bazaar. Art had become another love in her retirement years, she was involved in several art groups in both Bethany Beach and Jupiter, Florida where she wintered with her best friend and “seasonal roommate” Nancy Maher.
Over the years, Celeste's (and John's) home became a gathering place for family and friends to stop by for a "visit on the porch." Celeste graciously welcomed everyone and made them feel right at home with her Irish hospitality. It was always about family and community life in South Bethany and Celeste treasured the friends and neighbors she met over her 50+ years in the area.
Celeste was loved deeply and will be fondly remembered by all that knew her. Our world has lost a bright light.
Donations to honor Celeste's life may be made to St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bethany Beach, or Delaware Hospice, http://delawarehospice.org in honor of the wonderful care they provided to her loving husband.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 2:00 PM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023 TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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