Margaret Helen Preston (nee Kitching). On February 24, 2020 Helen passed away quietly in her sleep at Boundary Trails Health Centre after a one-day admission due to a failing heart. Her daughter Leslie was by her side and Cheryl arrived shortly after. The family appreciates them being there for her.
Fortunately, Helen passed away before the severity of Covid-19 impacted our lives. Unfortunately, soon after her passing lockdowns began so a funeral was unable to be offered at that time. She was laid to rest at a graveside service on August 29, 2020.
Helen was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Clifford Taylor Preston and leaves behind many who will always love and remember her, including her five children: Leslie, Cheryl, Heather (Garry), Rick (Victoria) and Gord (Carol). Helen and Cliff had 8 grandchildren; Michelle, Brook, Becky, Zach, Meg, Tell, Stephen and Timothy, and 7 great-grandchildren. Helen also leaves her one remaining sibling, Lloyd (Gwen) and was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Lillian, her sister Edith (Perley) and brother James (Jean).
Helen was born January 8, 1922 in Carman, Manitoba. She grew up on the family farm in the Forest District and remained in the district after marrying Cliff in 1942. Together, they farmed a half section and ran a small hog operation for over 30 years. Both also often worked off the farm. Helen worked at Aubins Nursery, seasonally, for many years where she could indulge her love of nature, and gardening. While working with Aubins she especially loved the work they did at the Morden Research Centre where she got to see the latest projects in development.
Helen was also a lifelong learner. For years, she and several friends trekked to Winnipeg once a week in the winter to take courses, often at Red River College. They studied everything from car maintenance to cake decorating. In the summer, no Rainbow Stage performance was missed.
After retiring into Carman in the house she and Cliff built, Helen once again undertook to beautify their yard. Her efforts did not go unnoticed; winning yard of the month several times as well as yard of the decade.
In addition to her love of nature and gardening Helen was an active contributor to her family and community. She rarely missed one of her kids' events and drove thousands of kilometres every year going to games, practices, and performances. She was a Cub leader for several years, taught Sunday School at the United Church where she was a lifelong member and was a founding member of the Young Citizens Group. As a Young Citizen Helen assisted in dozens of projects including launching the Carman Library, and the Boyne Lodge.
In 2017, after living in the Carman area for 95 years, Helen proved you're never too old to try something new by moving to Homestead South apartments in Morden. Here, she enjoyed making new friends, lovely programs and wonderfully pleasant staff and residents. The family would like to thank all those at Homestead South who were so welcoming and supportive.
Helen was laid to rest on August 29, 2020 in the Carman Cemetery in a graveside service which may be viewed here. Memorial donations may be made to the Preston Kitching Fund at the Carman and Area Foundation. For information on contributing contact [email protected] .
Fortunately, Helen passed away before the severity of Covid-19 impacted our lives. Unfortunately, soon after her passing lockdowns began so a funeral was unable to be offered at that time. She was laid to rest at a graveside service on August 29, 2020.
Helen was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Clifford Taylor Preston and leaves behind many who will always love and remember her, including her five children: Leslie, Cheryl, Heather (Garry), Rick (Victoria) and Gord (Carol). Helen and Cliff had 8 grandchildren; Michelle, Brook, Becky, Zach, Meg, Tell, Stephen and Timothy, and 7 great-grandchildren. Helen also leaves her one remaining sibling, Lloyd (Gwen) and was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Lillian, her sister Edith (Perley) and brother James (Jean).
Helen was born January 8, 1922 in Carman, Manitoba. She grew up on the family farm in the Forest District and remained in the district after marrying Cliff in 1942. Together, they farmed a half section and ran a small hog operation for over 30 years. Both also often worked off the farm. Helen worked at Aubins Nursery, seasonally, for many years where she could indulge her love of nature, and gardening. While working with Aubins she especially loved the work they did at the Morden Research Centre where she got to see the latest projects in development.
Helen was also a lifelong learner. For years, she and several friends trekked to Winnipeg once a week in the winter to take courses, often at Red River College. They studied everything from car maintenance to cake decorating. In the summer, no Rainbow Stage performance was missed.
After retiring into Carman in the house she and Cliff built, Helen once again undertook to beautify their yard. Her efforts did not go unnoticed; winning yard of the month several times as well as yard of the decade.
In addition to her love of nature and gardening Helen was an active contributor to her family and community. She rarely missed one of her kids' events and drove thousands of kilometres every year going to games, practices, and performances. She was a Cub leader for several years, taught Sunday School at the United Church where she was a lifelong member and was a founding member of the Young Citizens Group. As a Young Citizen Helen assisted in dozens of projects including launching the Carman Library, and the Boyne Lodge.
In 2017, after living in the Carman area for 95 years, Helen proved you're never too old to try something new by moving to Homestead South apartments in Morden. Here, she enjoyed making new friends, lovely programs and wonderfully pleasant staff and residents. The family would like to thank all those at Homestead South who were so welcoming and supportive.
Helen was laid to rest on August 29, 2020 in the Carman Cemetery in a graveside service which may be viewed here. Memorial donations may be made to the Preston Kitching Fund at the Carman and Area Foundation. For information on contributing contact [email protected] .