NANCY T PRESTON

Nancy Preston (nee Thayer), age 79, passed away peacefully with her family present on October 2, 2016. Beloved wife of 58 years of Channing M. Preston. Beloved mother of David (wife Barbara), Dale (wife Kimberly) and Todd. Dear grandmother of Hannah, Thayer and Abigail. Dearest sister of June and Marilyn. Loving sister in law of Leland and Louise. Cherished daughter of the late Richard and Leona Thayer.

Nancy left this world knowing and hearing the words of love and devotion from her entire immediate family. Her very last day was spent at the Hospice of the Western Reserve. The end of her life required courage beyond description as she fought for the will to live and to slow down the cancer that consumed her over a period of almost four years. Every standard and cutting edge medical procedure was tried at the Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland including many chemotherapy campaigns which took a high toll on her health. We owe so much to the Seidman doctors and nurses, and to our own family doctors, David and Barbara, for her treatments. David and Barbara's guidance for directing the care for their Mom's medical needs was constant, knowledgeable, innovative and unrelenting. In total, Nancy had the very best medical attention a person can have. Her life was prolonged and for at least some of the time, was fruitful, happy and relatively pain free, something for which we are eternally grateful.

Nancy owned and managed a small store in Hillcrest Plaza from 1984 to 1996. Chan had lost his job at the McKee Company after working there for twenty eight years, and together they looked for another source of income until he could get another job. Sweet Surprises fit the need perfectly. She had worked there previously and the business came up for sale. Nancy employed her friends and their children, often to the sacrifice of truly running a profitable business. It was her and her friends' social club. All immensely enjoyed working there, often way beyond their scheduled hours just because they loved it.

Nancy and Chan married in 1958, just two short years after Chan graduated from Case. They started off their married life living in New Orleans, where Nancy became pregnant with David. Years later, David attended Case and ultimately became a doctor of neurology. David lived in another fraternity other than his dad, but ended up in the same mansion that his father lived in many years prior.

Dale was born next in 1961 at UH Rainbow and Babies hospital in Cleveland. At six weeks of age Nancy, David and Baby Dale joined their father in Buenos Aries where Chan was working on the construction of a new grass roots refinery. The two year experience changed their lives and became a significant milestone in their lives together.

Todd was born in 1964 after the family returned to the United States. From that point, and before, home life and nurturing became Nancy's passion. She directed the family events of every holiday, birthday, special occasion with such love and affection it is hard to describe. Everyone, including dear friends and relatives, relied upon her to coordinate and execute family gatherings. Christmas being one of her absolute favorite holidays, buying, wrapping presents for all. That activity started right after each Christmas had passed. She kept a special "gift closet" to store purchases until they were needed. She didn't miss making special birthday cakes for each grandchild every year right up until her passing. She made unique cakes for every family member's birthday spanning all 58 years of married life.

Nancy will be remembered for all time for her compassion, love, and devotion to her family. She was the incomparable home maker extraordinaire, the most loving wife, mother, and grandmother one could ever hope for.

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Visiting Hours:
Thursday, Oct. 6
2-4 PM
6-8 PM

Funeral Service:
Friday, Oct. 7
11 AM

at THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME
5236 MAYFIELD ROAD
LYNDHURST, OHIO
(East of Richmond Road)

Flowers are welcome as are contributions to University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and the Hospice of the Western Reserve.

Private interment at Lake View Cemetery at a later date.