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Audrey Mary Regan Speers lived life on her own terms. She was elegant, with a wonderfully sharp sense of humor and wit. Politically savvy, intelligent, and unapologetically bohemian, she brought her personality and creativity to everything she did.
Beloved “cool mom” of Dana Speers of Toronto, Ontario, and Mandy Speers Volpe of New York, New York, Audrey believed motherhood was her greatest gift. She was the adored “Gaga” to her granddaughter, Natasha Regan Speers Burke of Toronto, Ontario, who brought her immense pride and joy.
Audrey was artistic by nature and had an extraordinary eye for design. A gifted decorator, artist, and legendary treasure hunter, she could transform any space into something magical and unique—even if it meant climbing ladders to paint ceilings or digging up an entire backyard and replanting it.
Her passion for art led her to open Audart Gallery in New York City’s Financial District, where she proudly supported artists and championed creative voices. Audrey believed in the power of art and the importance of giving artists a place to be seen and heard.
She was a committed political activist with a strong and enduring sense of social justice. Audrey spoke her mind, stood up for what she believed in, and cared deeply about fairness and humanity.
In Cobourg, Ontario, Audrey curated a home that reflected her eclectic spirit. She adored sitting on her front porch and tending to her beautiful garden. She cherished soft gray mornings, a mug of strong coffee, and springtime.
Audrey lived authentically, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on her daughters, who miss her dearly and think of her whenever they see the moon in the sky.
Audrey is survived by her daughters, grand-daughter and three sisters—Donna Hunter of Calgary, Alberta, Joann Regan of Toronto, Ontario, and Chris Archambault of Toronto, Ontario.
“Life is a series of perfect moments. Enjoy them while you can.” – Audrey
I am Audrey's first cousin. I moved to Toronto with she and Donna in the 1960's, lived in a high rise apt building and spent 2 wonderful years together, saving to continue on to university. Once I left, I did not reconnect with Audrey for over 50 years. Audrey was one of the most gifted artists and humanitarians that I ever knew. It was not unusual for us to talk for hours on the phone, sharing memories. Her life was mainly about her 2 girls and grandchild. I will miss you sweet Audrey, but I know we will connect when it becomes my turn to pass into your heavenly space.
Audrey and I were friends for a number of years in Cobourg. We first met in the Garden of a house I owned on the street where she lived. She was attracted to this house because of the uniquely artistic and creative gardens created by one of the renters of my house, Jeffrey. She and I very quickly established a rapport as she did also with my two renters. There followed many parties at my house over a number of years at which she was a frequent guest along with my renters. She was often very witty! We shared political views and had many interested discussions comparing experiences in different countries. We also shared our interests in gardening and often gave each other advice and traded plants. I will miss her greatly and offer my deepest sympathies to her daughters, Dana and Mandy and her grandchild, Natasha.