Patricia "Pat" Jane Speight 5/14/1939 – 10/15/2024 Patricia "Pat" Jane Speight, born May 14, 1939, in Ludlow, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, at the age of 85. In the last days of her life, she was surrounded by her loving family including her children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and cherished memories. The daughter of Harold and Anna Dyer, Pat had an early passion for art that followed her throughout life. In addition to her love of art, Pat was a dedicated and compassionate nurse. She earned her nursing degree in 1960 and spent over two decades caring for patients with warmth and kindness. She had a natural gift for nurturing, and her colleagues and patients alike admired her calm, steady presence in the face of challenges. Her work in healthcare was a testament to her deep compassion and desire to help others. After first meeting as awkward dance partners at the age of fourteen, Pat married Charles "Charlie" Speight years later, and together they raised three children—Debbie Locklin (Gene), Mark Speight (Bill), and Jennifer Jacobson Yap (Roje). Patricia and Charlie shared a rich, active life in Houston before discovering the natural beauty and tranquility of Ruidoso, New Mexico, where they spent some of their happiest years. In Ruidoso, Pat became part of a close-knit group of artist friends affectionately known as "The Ra-Ra's." These friendships brought Pat immense joy and companionship as they shared their love of art and creativity. The Ra-Ra's were a bright spot in her life, with their gatherings filled with laughter, inspiration, and support, reflecting the deep bond she had with her fellow artists. After the passing of her beloved Charlie, Pat found strength in her family and her art. She created a beautiful home in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where creativity, laughter, and love continued to flourish. Her prolific work as an artist was guided by the simple joy in "taking a line for a walk" and her gentle encouragement to "enjoy the moment." Above all, Pat was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She found her greatest joy in her family, always providing love, guidance, and warmth to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children— Debbie, Mark and Jennifer—and their spouses, as well as her grandchildren—Heather, Colleen, Amy, Matthew, and Charlie—her great-grandchildren, and her beloved nephew Glenn. Pat was preceded in death by her husband Charles Speight, her parents Harold and Anna Dyer, five brothers including John Dyer and her sister Laura "Lolly" Crandall. A celebration of Pat's life will be held at her home in Lake Charles that she lovingly created after Charlie's passing—a space filled with the creativity and love she nurtured throughout her life. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering and sharing stories of her remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Ghost Ranch Foundation in Abiquiu New Mexico (www.ghostranch.org/donate) one of her favorite places on earth, honoring Pat's dedication to art and ensuring that her passion will continue to inspire future generations. Her memory lives on through her art, her family, her nursing legacy, and the countless lives she touched. The family would like to invite those who knew and loved this wonderful woman to join us for an open house and celebration of her life at her home, 583 Santa Anna Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana, at 2:00 pm on November 9th, 2024. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Heart of Hospice and in particular Ann Marie. Condolences can be made at heritagefuneralhomellc.com/obituaries