Margaret Janet (Mann) Speaker

Margaret Janet "Fritzie" (Mann) Speaker, 84, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 26, 2025. Born on July 9, 1941, in Navilleton, Indiana, she was the daughter of Ronald and Margaret (Schmidt) Mann.

Margaret had a long and successful career in the lighting industry, where she dedicated over 25 years to Falls City Electric and later, Rueff Lighting. She was also an integral part of Apple Valley Farms & Greenhouses when she lived in New Salisbury. Known as the Plant Lady, her love of plants and flowers blossomed into a lifelong passion as she transformed her yard and planters season after season. After her retirement, as an avid animal lover, Margaret found tremendous joy in caring for and helping watch family and friends' fur babies.

She was an always proud graduate of Providence High School in 1959 and served regularly on the reunion committee. Margaret was also a longtime and devoted parishioner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Her involvement extended beyond worship, as she actively participated in the Prime Timers group. Margaret’s spirit of generosity and love of the arts shone brightly in her many volunteer endeavors, including years of service at Derby Dinner Playhouse and the IUS Ogle Center. In years past, she also had held the role of house mom for St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities and served at a local soup kitchen, a testament to her nurturing nature and dedication to helping others.

Margaret maintained a very active social life, regularly surrounded by a warm circle of friends with whom she shared many fond memories and often a great deal of life history. Whether playing cards, dominoes, or enjoying meals together, she eagerly anticipated each gathering. She cherished conversation and was known for her love of long talks on the phone, further emphasizing her ability to connect with others.

Margaret leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her children, Donna Wimbec (Jeff) and Brian Beck (Teresa Vessels); her beloved grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as “Nana,” Jason Beck, Jamie Vessels, Jessie Andry (Cameron), and Emily Jones (Ryan); and her adored great-grandchildren, Norah Andry, Graham Andry, Amelia Andry, Theo Jones, and Hazel Jones. She is also survived by her brothers, Ron, Bob, and Mark Mann, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to her as “Aunt Marg.”

Friends and family will gather for visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions located at 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany. Comments and remembrances will begin at 4:00 and will conclude with prayer time led by her beloved cousin, Fr. Steve Banet.

A funeral mass to celebrate her life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church at 1752 Scheller Lane, New Albany. Margaret will later be laid to rest privately beside her parents at St. Mary Navilleton Catholic Church Cemetery.

Contributions in Margaret's memory may be made to the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter or to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.