Manchester - Manchester - It is with great sadness that the family of Denise Speidel announce her passing on Sunday, April 13th, surrounded by family, at the age of 83. Denise (Dee) is lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, Paul; children, Paul Jr. and wife Kathy, Joe and wife Maura O'Sullivan, Lisa and husband, Craig Guindon, Dan and wife Jaime, and Dave and wife Jenn; grandchildren Tessa, Ella and Graham Speidel, Cole, Nathan and Eliana Guindon, Griffin and Jessie Speidel, and Rose and Lucie Speidel; siblings Peter Maitzen, Christine McCune, Jeannine Lucas, John, Jim, and Joey Maitzen; as well as many other extended family members, friends, students, and "adopted" family that Dee and Paul welcomed into their home. While our hearts mourn the loss, we count ourselves fortunate to have been blessed by Dee's love, generosity, humor, kindness, and fierce devotion.

Dee was born August 1, 1941, to parents Jack and Felicia Maitzen, and lived in Deerfield and Glenview, Illinois. She was the oldest of seven who helped to raise her siblings and remained a treasured sister and guide for over 80 years to her brothers and sisters. Dee attended Marquette University, where she loved the new experiences and freedom college afforded her, graduating with a degree in English in 1963. Dee and Paul met at a beach party on the shore of Lake Michigan at the ages of 14 and 15, and later reconnected at Christmas of 1964. They quickly re-kindled their relationship, fell in love, were engaged, and later married on February 27, 1965.

Dee was a loving mother to her five children, instilling in them a love of family and friends, the importance of looking out for others, and the joy of gathering together. She passed down many valuable gifts, especially kindness, humor, loyalty, and love. She and Paul had many adventures with their children. There were regular trips to Ogunquit beach and to the mountains of NH, singing together on the way home in the station wagon. She loved the striking natural beauty of the desert, traveling to her beloved Moab, Utah for hiking, mountain biking, and star gazing.

Dee worked as an early education teacher at the Nutfield Coop school in Derry, NH, impacting many children's lives in a positive and nurturing way.

She had a gift for making the people in her life feel seen and loved, finding a unique way to connect with each of them. She would find time at a large gathering to talk with a quiet grandchild, light fireworks with anyone who was interested, and inquire about everyone's classes, job, or family.

She expressed warm terms of endearment in her own unique way, making anyone who heard them feel truly included. If you were called "Honey bunny", "Sweet girl", or "Sweet boy", or heard "Be peaceful," you were a part of Dee's life.

Our family would like to offer deep-felt thanks to Home Health and Hospice Care, in Merrimack, NH, including her visiting nurse Heidi and the staff at their Community Hospice House for their wonderful, peaceful care of Dee. Warm thanks also go out to her healthcare team led by Dr. Al Ashry as well as her primary physician, Dr. Kehas.

A service will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 10 a.m. at the Grace Episcopal Church, located at 106 Lowell Street, Manchester, NH. Immediately following mass, a reception will be held in the Great Hall of the church.

Memorial donations in Denise's name can be made to Home Health and Hospice Care, Doctors Without Borders, Project C.U.R.E., MedShare, Feed My Starving Children, or International Relief Teams.