Betty Josephine Speck

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Betty Josephine Speck. Betty passed away peacefully in her sleep at The Pines in Bracebridge Friday June 5, 2026.

Betty was born April 27, 1936, in Muskoka to Henry and Jennetta (Jenny) Kirchner. Betty lost her mother at the young age of 11 so spent her teen years living with her older sisters and brother in Sudbury, Parry Sound and Bracebridge until she met her husband, Don.

Betty worked at a variety of places over the years, some of her earlier jobs included Birds Woollen Mill, Thomas’s, Elliot’s and the A&P to name a few. In 1975 her and Don purchased The Muskoka Trading Co. There they worked together until 1992 when they closed. At this time her Pies were becoming quite famous, and she took her business home to continue until she retired.

Over the years Betty was also involved in many different volunteer and social activities. She was part of the Ladies Auxiliary, she volunteered at the Bracebridge Public School during winter electives to teach knitting and crochet, she enjoyed her Saturday morning bridge games, Monday night bowling and later discovered a love for golf and would most likely be found on the course most Sunday’s and Monday’s.

Betty is predeceased by her mother Jennetta, father Henry, brother Harry, sisters Ethel, Gertrude and Audrey, husband Don and daughter Linda. She leaves behind her brother Ben, her daughters; Karen(Shane), Wendy(Len), grandchildren; Jenna, Aaron, Chrystal, Melissa, Donald and Matt. Great grandchildren; Lucas, Jacob, Sofia, Peyton, Conor, Mackenzie and Stanley as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to say a special thank you to all the staff at the Pines. Mom thrived under your care, and we could not have asked for a better environment for her as she negotiated life’s challenges in the last few years. Seeing her get involved in all the activities, the smile on her face whenever someone stopped to say hello and just knowing that she was well taken care of meant the world to us. We would also thank you to Cathy Barnes, mom’s companion; she always looked forward to your visits. Dr Dehert and Dr Cross for overseeing mom care.

The funeral service will take place Saturday July 4, 2026, at Reynolds Funeral Home in Bracebridge starting at 1pm with a reception to follow across the street at the browning hall, the family will head to the St. Thomas Anglican Cemetery at 3:30 anyone who would like to join is welcome.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice Muskoka, Alzheimer’s, The Pines Activity Fund or a charity of your choice.