Obituary of Loyola Veronica Spearey

Of Falmouth, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor, having just marked her 82nd birthday. Loyola was born on January 12, 1943, in Main-à-Dieu, Cape Breton, to the late Bill and Lucy (Burke) Lahey.  

Upon finishing high school in 1960, Loyola moved to Halifax where she worked as a secretary. While in Halifax she met Frank, a handsome young sailor from the prairies.  She relocated to Toronto in 1962, only to return three years later. News of Loyola’s return to Halifax was conveyed to the young sailor by his future brother-in-law, Ed Mayne. Frank acted quickly and in 1966 he and Loyola were married. The couple welcomed a son, Peter in 1970 and the family lived happily in and around CFB Shearwater, where Frank was stationed, until 1982. What was to be a two-year posting to Winnipeg turned into an 18-year stay. In Winnipeg, Loyola decided to return to the workforce - and to learn to drive.  She was most proud of her role working as an Executive Secretary with Public Works Canada. In 2000, Loyola was able to return to her beloved Nova Scotia, living first in Spryfield, then Hammonds Plains and finally Falmouth.

Loyola suffered a stroke in 2021 and was only able to remain at home through the tireless efforts of Frank and the support of the staff at Northwood - whose care was much appreciated.

Loyola had a great love for her family and was known as an exceptional cook and a snappy dresser. Over the years she had many pets that she spoiled terribly. She loved to travel and she and Frank travelled to the Caribbean and Europe many times, with Germany and Austria amongst her favorite destinations.

She will be lovingly remembered by Frank, her husband of 59 years; son, Peter (Sara) and grandchildren, Mira and Evan. Loyola is also survived by her sisters, Eunice Huskins, Lucille Ley and Norma Jean MacMillan. 

Besides her parents, Loyola was predeceased by her brothers, Pat and George Lahey and sisters, Mary Griffin, Monica Mayne and Yvonne Mrazek. 

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). At the family’s request, no funeral will be held. Donations in memory of Loyola made to the Nova Scotia SPCA, PO Box 38073 Stn Burnside, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X2, would be greatly appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.