Patricia Ann Speed

Patricia Ann Speed, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 14, 2020 in Fredericksburg, VA. “Pat” was born on the Carlson Family farm on May 21, 1940 in Clifford, ND. She was the oldest of four children born to the late Arvid Leon Carlson and Gladys Gilma Weum. Pat grew up in Fargo, North Dakota where she attended and was confirmed at First Lutheran Church. She graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1958, where she played the flute and participated in gymnastics and figure skating. After high school, Pat spent a brief time in the U.S. Air Force. After receiving an honorable discharge, her free spirit and sense of adventure led her to take up residence in California, Colorado, and Texas. Pat eventually returned to her hometown of Fargo, where she attended Interstate Business College and worked various office jobs. Pat was united in marriage with Calvin Speed on December 23, 1972. Shortly after, the family moved to Virginia where they made their home for the next 42 years. In 1988, she began a career in the Federal Government as a Human Resources Assistant for the U.S. Marine Corps Manpower Reserves Affairs Department in Quantico, VA. Pat happily retired from Federal service in 2009 after 21 years. Pat had the “gift of gab,” and never met a stranger. She had an impeccable memory, and always had a story to share. Pat was a proud North Dakotan, and told everyone she met of her Norwegian heritage, and ability to weather below zero temperatures. Pat loved spending time with her family and friends, shopping (even from the hospital), watching television, movies, and North Dakota State University football, browsing the internet, and talking on the phone. During her retirement years, she enjoyed Senior Group activities to include exercise, line dancing, art class, and social lunches and outings. Pat will be lovingly remembered for her outgoing and spirited personality, her deep love for her family, her resilience, and her selfless and giving heart. She was loved immensely, and will be kept close in the hearts of her loved ones forever. Left to cherish her memory is her partner of 47 years, Calvin Speed; Three children: Stacey Handy, Calvin Speed Jr. (Bethany) and Caydra Speed (Everette); Seven grandchildren: Kyle Handy (Kristine), Samantha Bergner, Shaquan Jackson (Lindsey), Devin Bowen, Calvin Speed III, Christopher Speed, and Brandon Speed; and Four Great-Grandchildren: Addison Handy, Christian Handy, Myla Jackson and Arya Jackson. Two Sisters: Lois Marsh and Jan Hogfoss (Darryle), and brother Larry Carlson (Angie), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life Service at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Home, 186 Shelton Shop Road, Stafford, VA 22554 on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 10:30 AM. The Service will start at 11:00.