Tonya Preston

Tonya R. Preston passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Mentor, Ohio.

She was born on March 7, 1937, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, To Royce and Marilynn (Mills) Chipman. Tonya attended Western Michigan University and went on to live a life marked by curiosity, creativity, and deep faith. She traveled extensively throughout Europe several times and spent meaningful years living in Athens, Greece, a place that held a special part of her heart.

Tonya had a profound love of music and of plants and flowers. She was a talented musician and singer, sharing her gifts with others throughout her life. Whether through music or tending to plants, she found beauty in the world around her. Her deep and abiding faith in God was the foundation that guided her, shaping her character and the way she cared for those around her.

She is survived by her children: Julia (Victor) Baucco, Angie Laskarides, John (Kristy) Laskarides, Thomas (Lisa) Laskarides; her seven grandchildren; her four step-grandchildren; her seven great-grandchildren; her sister Char-Lee (Jack deceased) Houtkooper; as well as her cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Sandra Abbott.

There will be a Celebration of Life on June 29 at 10 am at Mt. Everest Chapel at 3941 South Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008

Donations may be made to: Suncrest Hospice, 6100 Rockside Woods Blvd. Ste. 240, Independence, OH 44131 or at https://www.suncrestcare.com/location/cleveland-oh/