Obituarios

Dr. Ben Miller Meares, Sr. (1938-2026) 

Lydia (Lilly) Matias Gustaferro Speckman, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend passed peacefully to the arms of her Savior on November 8th, 2026, at the age of 83.

John Keely, a beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on October 31, 2026.

Jo Carolyn Mitchell was born on December 21, 1951, to Bessie Hicks Robertson and Charlie Hubert (Butterfish) Robertson. She was born and raised in Oxford, North Carolina; she passed peacefully at her daughter's home in Henderson, North Carolina, on October 27, 2026. 

Brad Bender, 67, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on October 26, 2026.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…” 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NIV) 

Laura Jane Lacatena, 81, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, passed away on October 24, 2026. She is survived by her husband Nicholas John Lacatena; children Michele and Nicholas Lacatena; sister JoAnn Alaimo (Frank); brother William McCabe (Madelyn); grandchildren Tino and Sienna Lacatena; many much-loved nieces and nephews; and her devoted dog, Luigi.

Lambert Hirsheimer, age 94, passed away peacefully on October 24th, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Quincy, Illinois, in 1932 to his loving parents Marguerite and Lambert Hirsheimer. Our Lambert carried the warmth of his hometown with him throughout his entire life. His family was deeply rooted in the community, owning a cigar factory and store on the main streets there. Lambert remarkably maintained close friendships that dated back to his early childhood, and he loved to remind everyone that Pittsfield was "the county seat, pork capital of the world." Most of his favorite stories dated back to those cherished years. He was graduated from the Lake Forest Academy and went on to Colorado University where he met his wife Carol. During that time he served his country as he was also drafted into the Army. While he never sought the spotlight or chased grand worldly accomplishments, Lambert found early success as a stockbroker. His career took him from Denver to New York, and ultimately to the Chicago area, which was indeed his favorite city in the world. Above all, he achieved the most meaningful success a person can: he was known by everyone who met him as a genuinely sweet, gentle, and loving soul. He was a devoted and loving husband for 68 beautiful years to his wife, Carol. Together, they built a life centered around family, kindness, and enduring affection. He was an incredibly loving father to his two sons, Lambert (married to Karen) and Matt (married to Carolyn). His legacy of love continues through his cherished grandchildren: Kess, Brie (Lambert and Karen), Brooke, and Wes (Matt and Carolyn). Second only to his love for his family was his passion for Dixieland swing music. He told many classic tales of slipping out of summer camp or using military weekend leaves just to go watch the great jazz performers of the day. Lamberts remains will be sent to St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Deerfield, Illinois where eventually he will rest also with his wife Carol. His gentle presence, sweet nature, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by his family and his friends who were blessed to know him and we take deep comfort knowing that he will be joining those who have gone before him.

Janine Marie Leonard Scurfield, 63, of Cary, NC, entered into rest on October 22, 2026, following a two-month battle with endometrial cancer.