Julia Grace (Kelley) Speakman, 94, of Harwich, died on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at Wingate at Harwich nursing facility.  Julia was born in South Dennis, MA, the daughter of Aaron J. and Ella G. (Clarke) Kelley.

She was one of the few true Cape Codders left who could reminisce about Cape Cod before roads were paved and running water existed.

 

She had fond memories of her years working as a cook at Otis Air Force Base during WWII and wanted to be remembered for her amazing comfort food.

 

In 1947 Julia married Raymond T. Speakman and together they raised four children: Robert R. Speakman of Cape Cod, Dan Speakman and his wife, Janice, of  Harwich , Michael Speakman and his wife, Martha, of Dennis and Roby Whitehouse and her husband, Bradley, of Yarmouth.  She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

 

Julia is predeceased  by two brothers, Frank W. Kelley and Albert E. Kelley, and two sisters, Margaret Kelley and Katherine Sowden.

 

A funeral Mass for Julia will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. in Holy Trinity Church, 246 Route 28, West Harwich, MA followed by interment at Swan Lake Annex Cemetery, Depot St. Dennis Port, MA

 

At the request of the family ,contributions in her memory may be made to the Harwich Fire Department, 175 Sisson Rd., Harwich, MA 02645. Notes of comfort and sympathy may be sent to the family at www.hallettfuneralhome.com.

 

 

 

 

Dear Robert, Dan, Michael, Roby and Family, We of the St. Francis of Peace Fraternity offer our prayers and condolences on the death of your mother. Julia was a faithful member of our Fraternity and brought much comfort to the Lord and us. Our Lord is pleased to have her in His Kingdom forever. May the peace and Love of our Lord Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi give you their Love and Comfort now and forever. Peace and Blessings, Rosalie Graveline, OFS, Minister of St. Francis of Peace Fraternity and Marcia Bornstein OFS, Mary Crowell OFS, Josephine OFS and Raymond OFS Doot, Margaret Dunlap OFS, Madeline Manchuk OFS, Carol McDermott-Audet OFS, Andrea St. Germain OFS, Rachel White OFS, Peg Raymond OFS, Priscilla Olsen OFS, Patrick O'Brien OFS, Candidate Maire Sheehy OFS, and Postulants Maria Mara, and Karen Hickey

Dear Robert, Dan, Michael, Roby and Family, We of the St. Francis of Peace Fraternity offer our prayers and condolences on the death of your mother. Julia was a faithful member of our Fraternity and brought much comfort to the Lord and us. Our Lord is pleased to have her in His Kingdom forever. May the peace and Love of our Lord Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi give you their Love and Comfort now and forever. Peace and Blessings, Rosalie Graveline, OFS, Minister of St. Francis of Peace Fraternity and Marcia Bornstein OFS, Mary Crowell OFS, Josephine OFS and Raymond OFS Doot, Margaret Dunlap OFS, Madeline Manchuk OFS, Carol McDermott-Audet OFS, Andrea St. Germain OFS, Rachel White OFS, Peg Raymond OFS, Priscilla Olsen OFS, Patrick O'Brien OFS, Candidate Maire Sheehy OFS, and Postulants Maria Mara, and Karen Hickey

Dan,Roby and all - I was sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She lived a full life and even though it was a long life you will all still miss her. Peggy

Roby I was so sorry to hear about Julia I knew her and you for many years and she was such a nice person as are you the picture is beautiful. OCB

I'm truly saddened by Aunt Julia's passing, the last of the 'Greatest Generation' Speakman clan. Always smiling, she was warm, outgoing, smart, irreverent, generous-minded. genuine, and truly engaging--a wonderfully pleasant person to be around. I have very fond memories of family Thanksgiving gatherings and Sundays at Long Pond generally and of her in particular. On their first meeting, at my mother's funeral, my son Adam took an immediate shine to Aunt Julia. Matriarch-like, she summoned him from across the room, identifying him (without introduction) with certainty as a Speakman. They then had a lengthy, non-stop chat as if they'd known each other forever. And in a sense, they had. Condolences to Bob, Dan, Mike, Roby, and the rest of the family, and salutes to a long life well lived.

So sorry for the loss of your Mom,Grandmother, and friend, Julia Grace.I smiled when it was mentioned that she wanted to be remembered for her amazing comfort food! Whenever we were invited to a family BBQ Bill would always ask if she would be bringing her Potato Salad! A favorite!

Sorry to hear of the passing of Julia Grace. Sincerely Ann and Barry

Please know that Aunt Julia and all of you, Bob, Dan, Mike, and Roby and all your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Miss all of you and sorry I could not be with you to share in the celebration of your mom's life. Love to all, Janet

Dan, Bob, Michael and Roby, I’m so sorry to read of your Mom’s death. I had no idea that she wasn’t well because it seems like it wasn’t that long ago that she and I were talking on Face Book. I have so many fond memories of our times together with your Mom and Dad and Roger and Lorraine. Please know that I’m thinking of you all with deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Angie DUDeVoire

To Jan and Dan, Sending condolences to the Speakman family on the death of your mom. Lorraine Monahan, South Dennis

Dear Roby and Family, We are so sorry for your loss of Julia. She was always kind, caring and full of fun. I hear her boisterous laugh as I write this. I will never forget growing up in the neighborhood with all of you. Julia would do anything for her neighbors and we would do the same. We are thinking of you all. With our love and prayers, Anastasia Welsh Perrino and Family

Condolences to all the Speakman family on the loss of your matriarch.

Condolences to all the Speakman family on the loss of your matriarch.

Dear Dan, Jan and Family, I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my heart and thoughts. May you find peace in your memories. Sincerely, Meghann McOsker

It was nice to be with you for a couple good years. And I loved the old stories you had living on Cape Cod. And roll a skating RainBow room in West Yarmouth.I still remember the building. Miss you

So very sorry for your loss! She has left you with so many great memories! When all is quiet and you finally sit back..her stories, her life and all that she was will make you smile! Sorry I can’t be there to give you a hug, but.know my heart is with you and your family! Love to you, Dominic and Family.

Sending sympathy and love to the entire family. We will always remember Aunt Julia as an amazing woman, and one of the ultimate “ Old Cape Codders.”

Rest easy my dear friend. Sending prayers of love and strength to everyone who loved her.