Margaret Mastalka

Margaret Mastalka July 29, 1943 - September 16, 2021 A loving, caring, and brilliant human being graced the world with her presence from birth in 1943 as Margaret Jane Ashley to her passing in 2021 as Margaret "Maggi" Mastalka. Margaret was born in New Iberia, Louisiana the third child of Hubert Edward Ashley, Sr., and Hazel Earl Norton Ashley. She loved her mother and idolized her father, who taught her to be business-minded and, into her young adulthood, encouraged her to pursue her goals. The family moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where Margaret spent her high school years, and was a majorette for Ft. Myers High-Go Green Waves! Seeking a career in fashion, Margaret earned her associates degree in fashion merchandising from Averett College in Danville, VA, where she found a mentor in faculty member Charlotte Reed. She highly valued Ms. Reed's guidance and friendship, which continued until Ms. Reed's passing. Fresh out of college, Margaret went to work at Kreeger's Department Store on Canal Street in New Orleans, LA. There her talent was noticed by Mr. Kreeger himself, which led to her first promotion. Her career in fashion ultimately led her to be appointed the first female executive with Sears & Roebuck, Co., breaking the glass ceiling for other women to pursue executive-level positions in that company and elsewhere. During her time in New Orleans, Margaret loved the city, including breakfasts of beignets with coffee and chicory each morning and riding the streetcar to work. She felt the joy and excitement of starting her path in that special city as a young person. It was there that she met her first husband, Herb Beatty, with whom she would start a family, raising a daughter and son. They lived in Amarillo, TX, and then Davenport, IA (for Herb to attend chiropractic college), and eventually Albuquerque, NM. She would later have a second marriage to Don Kinney and spend happy years living on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands before resettling in Florida. When Margaret left her work in fashion, she fearlessly dove into the world of politics. A respected public and media relations professional in New Mexico state politics for many years, she worked for numerous candidates, including serving as press secretary for two competitive gubernatorial candidates. And Margaret-known as "Mak" to her colleagues-rounded out her career in media working for newspapers in Bonita Springs and Lady Lake, FL, prior to retirement. In retirement, Margaret met Frank Mastalka-the amazing man who would make her last ten years the happiest time of her life. Margaret and Frank came close to never meeting on their first date but thank goodness they found each other because they had an instant connection and knew pretty quickly that they were made for each other. Frank was retired-having built and sold an enormously successful commercial insulation company. During their time together, he dubbed her "Maggi" and they settled on Tartan Street in The Villages, FL where they made and nurtured friendships and built community. Maggi loved spending time with friends, including her best friend Joann Koster, and enjoyed immensely her weekly dinners with the "Tartan Tarts" and social events with them and their husbands. Frank continued to golf, bowl, bike, and run his volunteer handyman service, but Maggi, and her health and happiness, was his greatest priority. Margaret and Frank, along with their beloved dogs Abby and Chickie, made a happy life together traveling, going on dates every Saturday, playing cards, spending time with family and friends, and loving each other. They were the best of loving companions, and laughter was ever-present in their home. Margaret was so loved by Frank, her family, her friends, and the countless people she touched during her life. The love, kindness, friendship, and support she gave so freely was a gift that blessed those who received it. She was a "giver" with a good heart and twinkling eyes. Margaret will be deeply missed. The many people lucky enough to have had her in their lives will carry in their hearts her love and the wonderful memories of their time together. Margaret is preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister, and husband Don. She is survived by her husband Frank and his family, her daughter Kristan and son Michael and their father Herb, her grandchildren Matthew, Jocelyn and Evan, her son-in-law Steve, her brother Hubert Edward "Pete" Ashley, Jr., and his family.