FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 01, 2009

Nancy Speier, Mother of Congresswoman, Passes Away at 93

It is with great sadness that Congresswoman Jackie Speier announces the passing of her mother, Nancy Speier. She was 93 years old. She passed peacefully, with her daughter and granddaughter at her side, at the congresswoman’s home early Friday, February 27.

The former Nancy Kanchelian was born in Fresno, California, to Armenian immigrants. She moved to San Francisco in 1930 and nineteen years later married Manfred (Fred) Speier. In addition to the congresswoman, they have a son, Eric Speier of Elk Grove.

A gifted seamstress, Ms. Speier worked as an upholstery teacher for more than 50 years in South San Francisco and San Mateo adult schools, finally retiring just three months ago.

Nancy Speier was the loving grandmother to Jackson Sierra, Stephanie Sierra, Erica Swanson and Katie Speier; great-grandmother to Sarah Swanson; and mother-in-law to Laurel Speier and Barry Dennis. She will be dearly missed by her extended family, many friends and former students.

“We all contribute to this world in different ways,” Congresswoman Speier said. “My mother did it with her hands, her generosity and her incredible work ethic. Her students often tell me about the no-nonsense advice my mother gave them on life, love and other topics seemingly unrelated to upholstery. We are all very blessed to have had her in our lives for so long.”

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 3 at 10:00 at Saint Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbia Drive in San Mateo. A reception will follow. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, 94014.

The family respectfully asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations made be made to Bay Area Friends of Armenia, 1558 25th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122

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