Obituary of Dana C. Speer

Mason, Ohio - 66, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 17, 2018. Dana is the beloved spouse of the Rev Eileen O'Reilly, loving sister of Wayne (Debbie) Speer, Kerry Speer, David (Molly) Speer, devoted aunt of Jay (Mandy) Speer, Lauren (Kenney) Bertz, Ben Speer and Hallie Speer, Cloay Maier, Duncan Maier, loving great aunt of Kayne, Leo, Dane, Chase, and Hannah.  Dana was a caring friend to all who entered All Saints Episcopal Church, and an avid Scottie lover, especially these last eight years for Ghillie and Guinness.

Dana was an accomplished researcher, whatever task, person, or activity Dana took on she did with passion, enthusiasm, and commitment. She was also an avid golfer, who often, to the dismay of her playing partners, had memorized the Rules of Golf!  That was just Dana, she was curious, happy to learn new things, and anxious to share.

One of the communications received very shortly after Dana's death really says it all:

Dana was a true treasure to our parish and our family. She was extremely knowledgeable in a wide array of topics, but never lost inquisitiveness or an open mind. Her knowledge was exceeded only by her heart, and she shared both freely. Every conversation yielded a new bit of information, a new insight, or a slightly different way of viewing things. Her impact on the children in their growth both as good people and as spiritual beings cannot be measured. Of all the people I know, or have know, I can say that the legacy that Dana leaves behind is one of the richest I have seen. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts, our community and the world, but she will always be present within us, and lives on through the children that she loved so dearly. (RS)

For Dana:

Put out the light; the light has gone out

What was solid is now in shatters and smiles have been silenced,

I'll take the river's crossing for peace when the quiet is too much.

The storm has entered my heart at a rendering of life.

It's a reflection on crystal waters at twilight that disappears.

Put out the light; the light has gone out.

Bring it forth my closed eyes and memory.

The gentleness that gave so much and embraced those unknown.

Put out the light; the light has gone out.

Light within gifted to others,

Shining in young hearts eternal.

Turn on her light, the light never went out.

Love you.

(MH)

For us, there are no words to express the loss, the hole in our heart--its reality, its feelings. For Dana, Jesus' promise has been fulfilled.