FREEPORT — Katharine Anne Speth, 93, died peacefully Jan. 6 at Hawthorne House in Freeport.
 
Born Sept. 30, 1917, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of Carl and Florence Speth, she and her family lived in Illinois until they moved to New York City when she was 7 years old. 

She was very close to her parents, and they enjoyed attending Broadway plays in New York, and trips to Cuba while her father worked with the Cuban American Sugar Company.

After attending Marymount School she later graduated from Marymount College in Tarrytown, N.Y.
 
For many years she worked as a secretary in Rochester, N.Y., and later in Tampa, Fla., until she retired in 1982.

She maintained a lifelong friendship with Betty Smith, and eventually moved to Maine in 1996 to live near Betty, her husband Bud, their children, George and Peter, and their families.

Her hobbies included reading, poetry, crossword puzzles, and needlework. She loved music, especially show tunes.

A wonderful conversationalist, sure of herself and what she believed, she was always witty and very entertaining.
 
Survivors include her cousin, Elizabeth June Lane and husband John of Rye, N.Y.; and four godchildren.
 
Memorial donations may be made to the Iris Network of Maine, 189 Park Ave., Portland, ME 04102.

Arrangements are by Independent Death Care, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland.

Memorial condolences and a guest book can be signed online at independentdeathcare.com

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