Shelby Louise Speas' Obituary
Shelby Louise (Day) Speas was a devoted wife, loyal friend, faith filled woman, generous with her time and expertise, a nature lover, world traveler, gourmet cook, and a strong leader in business. Most importantly she was the wife and best friend of Dennis Speas for just shy of 40 years. Shelby and Dennis had no children of their own, but they were Aunt Shelby and Uncle Dennis to many they considered nieces and nephews, always there to support and share their love.
Born in San Diego then moving to Peru at a young age because of her father’s business in the tuna industry gave Shelby an appetite for international travel and respect for other cultures that carried her to studies in Japan during college at Lewis and Clark. She had an aptitude for easily picking up foreign languages which only added to her professional experiences. Shelby’s fluency in Spanish was helpful in her multifaceted career and building many community and business connections.
Business took Shelby and Dennis from Southern California, to Washington state, Northern California and ultimately settling back in San Diego. Weekly Sunday phone calls with college friends sharing recipes and events were not to be missed. Shelby stayed connected with people no matter where life led her.
Shelby was generous with her time and technical knowledge. Her ability to help people enhance their businesses and community concerns were exciting challenges that, without hesitation, she met with wholehearted determination. She always had a new app or job listing to share with friends and family looking for work or to help them find balance in their day.
Shelby was an incredibly strong woman holding many leadership positions both professionally as well as personally. As Sutter Health Chief Operating Officer for 25 years one of Shelby’s greatest accomplishments was the redevelopment and completion of the Women’s Breast Center in Burlingame. Her vision and creativity brought a much needed serene and inspirational environment to women going through treatment.
Shelby’s faith was an important part of her life. She appreciated the traditions and values of many religions and shaped her own faith life around them. Her faith life shined through her philanthropic work with numerous board memberships; Director of St. Paul’s Episcopal Senior Services, American Heart Association, Feeding San Diego, Hidden Wings including her own nonprofit that supported Orphanage Hospital General in Tijuana.
Shelby was fascinated by the joy a clown could bring to anyone young and old. Her collection was diverse. Shelby was known to wear her signature scarves and usually a statement pin that was typically a clown face that would make anyone smile when they shared her company.
Shelby and Dennis enjoyed spending the weekends together in the kitchen coming up with recipes of their own or following a favorite chef and pairing the meal with a delicious wine. She made any occasion sweet with her renowned cheesecakes.
Nature’s simplicity and beauty captured Shelby’s appreciation for life. Through the eye of her camera lens she found peace and strength especially walking through her neighborhood or frequent morning walks through the San Diego Zoo.
Shelby would want you to remember to always be gentle, kind and respectful of others, to always appreciate what God has given you and to take care of your neighbor.
In lieu of flowers, well wishers are encouraged to make a memorial gift benefiting seniors at St. Paul’s Senior Services. For online gifts, go to stpaulseniors.org/donate/
or mail a gift to:
St. Paul’s Senior Services Foundation
328 Maple Street
San Diego, CA 92103
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