VERA SYLVIA ALLWOOD PRESTON

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VERA SYLVIA ALLWOOD PRESTON February 13, 1913 - July 5, 2006 It is with sadness that the family of Vera Sylvia Allwood Preston announces her passing the night of July 5, 2006. Mom was preceded by her husband James (Sam) Preston, and brothers Stan Allwood (Vi) of Winnipeg, and Les Ozenbrook (Ruby) of Toronto. Left to mourn her passing are her sons and daughter-in-laws: Jim (Jeannette) Preston, Bob (Linda) Preston, and Ken (Pat) Preston. Grandchildren: Owen Preston, Jill Preston-Gren (Jason), Jodi Preston Hargreaves (Brad), Dana Preston (Cory) and Brent Preston (Gaby); great grandchildren: Zachary and Logan Preston Hargreaves; as well as many nieces and nephews in Winnipeg, Toronto, Edmonton, Ashern and the Interlake, and niece Lorraine Topping a special friend. Born to Charles Allwood and Edith Coles on February 13, 1915, Mom grew up in the St. James area and as a child fondly remembered attending the Gospel Hall and its Friday night Lantern slide shows. She attended Britannia, Isaac Brock, and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. As a young woman she was employed by T. Eaton Co. luncheonette, and maintained a fond friendship with many of its former employees throughout her life. She was very much interested in her family, and proud of the accomplishments of her sons, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, and extended family members. Grandma took a personal interest in our lives. Mom was a very independent person and throughout her life strived to live as independently as possible. Whenever one of us offered assistance her normal reply was: I know you are busy and have your own lives to live. I am quite capable of doing that. She was a renaissance person; she loved to watch old movies, and enjoy music, much of which she would sing along with, very much off key. For many years she attempted to play the organ, but finally gave her keyboard to granddaughter Jill. She was a keen reader, especially interested in local history, politics, historical events, and historical sites. An inveterate letter writer she would write extended family news letters to friends and family across Canada and abroad. An excellent knitter, she attributed her skills to her teachers Mrs. Hobbs and Miss Graham both of Eaton's Knitting School. Mom took numerous prizes for her work at the Red River Ex. Over the years, Mom belonged to numerous organizations which included: Grace Baptist Church, Elmwood Seniors, Age and Opportunity, and Toastmasters. Following her retirement from Dominion Stores, she volunteered at Fred Douglas Care Home, her mother and great aunt's residence, Seven Oaks Hospital, and more recently Carriage House North, her last residence. Mom was something of a philanthropist and it was not at all surprising to hear from an unexpected source that she had helped out a friend or extended family member, financially or otherwise. Mom loved having her family around her. For the past number of years on her birthday she would hold an all expense paid birthday party at the Viscount Gort or elsewhere. Away from home family members were sent airline tickets and a gentle request to attend if at all possible. She wanted her family to share time together. In her declining years, Mom in her own way managed to bring family members much closer together, that in part is the legacy she left us. Part of her legacy was the dignity, courage, and grace she personified in her passing. She never complained or decried her worsening physical condition, instead she preferred to focus on the positive... I am so lucky to have ....was a prefix she often used. She even complimented the hospital food, but then she would be the first to admit she wasn't the best of cooks. Mom passed away the way in which she lived, with dignity under difficult conditions, courage, grace, and her sense of humour intact. She demonstrated by example valuable and important life lessons. For that we thank her. We love you Grandma. The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the care givers at Seven Oaks Hospital, 5th floor. We thank you. Memorial service will be held on July 11, 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street 338-7111. Interment and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2006