By Graham Brown

AN ANGUS community is mourning the death of a devoted 34-year-old mother-of-two who suffered a heart attack at home in the presence of her young sons.

Karen Speed, of Glengate, Kirriemuir, will be laid to rest today in the town’s cemetery after a service at Kirrie Old Parish Church, the kirk where 14 years ago she wed childhood sweetheart Kevin, who last night spoke of the family’s terrible loss.

Mr Speed (37) paid a glowing tribute to Karen’s devotion as a wife, and mother to their boys Drew (11) and Joe (13), saying the happy family life they had enjoyed was helping them all get through the traumatic events of last week.

Mrs Speed was brushing her teeth at home when she collapsed with only her sons in the house.

They instantly rushed to a neighbour’s home and both Mr Speed and the emergency services were contacted.

“Our neighbour came in and he was here before the paramedics and gave her mouth-to- mouth. The paramedics then tried really hard but they were unable to revive her. I think it all happened pretty quickly,” said Mr Speed.

The Speeds first started going out during their schooldays and both went on to work with textile firm J. & D. Wilkie, Karen as a stock controller.

“Karen was Kirriemuir born and bred. She was very family-orientated and we both didn’t really have any interests other than what the boys did, taking them to things like Scouts and football.”

“She was my one and only,” said Mr Speed.

“My mother said that a lot of people have been married for 50 years and never enjoyed their marriage like we did. We didn’t really have to work at it; it was just good together with the boys.”

Mr Speed also spoke of Karen’s decision not to contemplate the possibility of being struck by heart problems, which had resulted in the early deaths of her mother and father, Dave and Ann Reid.

“Her sister had tests after their mum died but Karen said she didn’t want to live her life in fear, wondering if the same was going to happen to her,” he said.

Mr Speed added, “It’s really hard, but we are just keeping each other going.”

The family have asked for donations to the British Heart Foundation or cancer research charities in place of flowers at today’s funeral.