MONROE – Mara Lee Speich, age 85, of Monroe, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Monroe Clinic Hospital. She was born on December 25, 1939, in Albany, the daughter of Viola (Spinhirne) Kildow and Jay Kildow.

Mara is survived by her daughter, Kelly Gildner; sister, Peggy Maveus; grandson, Ben Gildner (Tammy); granddaughters, Justine Tucker (Adam) and Hannah Sturgeon (Tye); aunt, Marge Parmer; nieces, Barb Combs and Marie Halverson. She was preceded in death by her mother, Viola; father, Jay Kildow; husband, Rodney; son, David Bergum; and daughter, Debby Bergum. FULL COMPLETE OBITUARY POSTED AT MONROE TIMES online edition 10/21/2025.

Lee/Mom/Grama Mara had requested of her immediate family (daughter/grandchildren) that upon her passing to gather for a Remembrance Supper...  to be planned at a later date and location. She wanted us to remember "LoveLee" because she truly did love all of us and we loved her back.