Nancy Speier, Mother of Congresswoman, Passes Away at 93

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0600

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

Jackie Speier's statement on the passing of Congressman Tom Lantos

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Today is a sad day for the Bay Area, our country and, indeed, the world. My heart and prayers, and those of my family, are with Tom's wife, Annette, his daughters, Katrina and Annette, and their families.

Congressman Tom Lantos was an inspiration to anyone who ever dreamed of a better life; he strove to overcome adversity and refused to quit, even against overwhelming odds.

Little did Tom know, as a young man, bravely resisting both Nazis and Communist that his calling in life would take him far from his native Hungary. He could not have dreamed that someday he would serve the United States of America in a position as high as Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. And how proud must his ancestors be, after being persecuted and executed for their faith, that Tom Lantos would accomplish so much for the freedom and security of his people and the dispossessed everywhere.

Congressman Lantos’ tireless and passionate work for human rights around the globe is legendary. No one was more articulate, persuasive or tenacious in fighting for all people, and no adversary was too large for Tom.

I have many fond personal memories of Congressman Lantos, as does anyone who was privileged to have known him. Of the many things we can learn from him, perhaps the most important is: Never give up. Fight for what is worth fighting for, because you don't know what life has planned for you.

My only regret is that those of us who proudly called Tom Lantos our Congressman did not have the opportunity to see him one last time, to show him how much we appreciate his hard work and 28 years of service to our district.

I think the highest compliment that could be paid to him is to say, "Congressman Lantos was a great American."

Jackie Speier for Congress: Press Releases

Nancy Speier, Mother of Congresswoman, Passes Away at 93

Jackie Speier's statement on the passing of Congressman Tom Lantos