Louise Preissner Ward Speakman, daughter of the late Ferdinand and Maria Preissner, passed away at home with her family by her side on May 28, 2019. Born on December 4, 1913, she was 105 years old. She was preceded in death by her six brothers: Freddy, Johnny, Ernie, Joe, Willie, and Bobby Preissner.
Mrs. Speakman moved to Winchester in 1949 with her 5-year-old son Ronnie and opened Ward’s Pastry Shop on East Piccadilly Street, eventually moving in 1954 to its final location on the Loudoun Street Mall. She operated the shop for 22 years until retiring in 1976. During that time, Ward’s Pastry Shop specialized in wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and pastries. Most long-time Winchester residents can recall the scrumptious desserts, donuts, brownies, and cookies that were lovingly baked by Louise and her 9 loyal employees. She also taught her son, Ronnie, the bakery business and he worked alongside his mother for 8 years until they sold the shop in 1976.
When not baking, Louise was an avid tennis player and golf enthusiast. In 1967 she received the Winchester Jaycees “Boss of the Year” from Mayor Bill Battaile. She was the first small business owner and first woman to ever receive the award. She became interested in civic activities and served on many boards and committees such as The Lioness Club, Winchester/Frederick County Economic Development Commission, past president of the Women’s Civic League, Board of Directors of Dominion Bank (C & S Bank) and the Winchester Planning Commission (1979-87).
In 1960, Louise was invited to join the Glen Burnie Garden Club. She later served as Garden Club President and became a National Judge. She served as President of the Shenandoah District of Garden Clubs and later on the Shenandoah Judges Council. She entered numerous flower shows and won many awards. In 1989, her floral entry was the top winner…the first Virginia entry to have ever received a perfect score at that time. The winning arrangement was later featured in the 1991 National Council of State Garden Clubs annual calendar “Visions of Beauty.”
In 1970, Louise formed the partnership Speakman and Ward with her son Ronnie for the purpose of real estate rentals and investments. She served with distinction for 20 years on the board of The Leary Educational Foundation. Upon her retirement from the board in November 1999, the Executive Board Room was named in her honor, where her portrait hangs today.
In February 1976, Louise decided to retire and Ward’s Pastry Shop was sold. Her long-time employee and dear friend, Johnny Travis, took one of her old work shoes and had it bronzed and placed on a plaque with the inscription “This shoe carried my boss the last mile.” She was beloved by her employees, all of whom had worked with her from the very beginning.
During her retirement, Louise enjoyed traveling to many foreign countries with her friends and playing doubles bridge as well as continuing to participate in the Glen Burnie Garden Club.
She is survived by her son, Ronnie Ward and his wife Kathy. In addition, she has two grandchildren, Beth Forsyth (Mac) and Allan Bryarly (Staci) as well as 5 great-grandchildren, Patrick, Nathan, and Mikey Forsyth; Violet and Chase Bryarly. She is also survived by her beloved and faithful companion, Penny.
The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care that was given to their mother over the years by so many, especially: Ginny, Glenda, Leota, Louise, Cookie, Brenda, Betty, and Eileen. Also, the medical care and support provided by the Blue Ridge Hospice angels has been immeasurable. There are no words adequate enough to express our gratitude.
A visitation will be from 10 am to 11 am on Monday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 am with Pastor Mike Mayton officiating. A reception will follow the service at Omps Reception Center, Amherst Chapel. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, Virginia 22601.