- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
MARILYN WILLETTA PRESTON
Born: Nov 19, 1941
Date of Passing: Aug 16, 2026
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Winnipeg Humane Society
MARILYN WILLETTA PRESTON
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Willetta Preston, known to many as "Will" and "Lett," on August 16, 2026, at the age of 84. Over the years, she also became known as "Nana," not only to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but to almost everyone who knew her.
Born Marilyn Willetta Johns in Lamont, Alberta, to William and Marjorie Johns, she was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Bill Preston, in 2013, her parents, her sister Gretta, and her sister Winnie and husband Harley.
She is survived by her son David (Jill) and grandchildren Jessica and Declan; daughter Kathi, grandchildren Jordan (Jessica), Steven (Crystal) and Trevor (Nicole), and great-grandchildren William, Stormii, Konnor, Steven and Everleigh; and daughter Carmen (Dave), grandchildren Shayla (Eric) and Evan (Reagan), and great-grandchildren Olivia and Sofia. She also leaves behind her sister Gwen (Mike), many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including special friends, the Comers.
She spent much of her childhood in Red Deer, Alberta, where her father was with the RCMP, before moving to Cranberry Lake near Powell River, B.C., where she finished high school. She later moved to Vancouver and graduated from Vancouver General Hospital with her nursing degree in 1963. She kept in touch with her graduating class, attending reunions in B.C. whenever she could and making a special quilt with their graduation photos and signatures. While in Vancouver, she met Bill, who was studying at UBC. They married that year and moved to Norman, Oklahoma, where she began her nursing career while Bill worked toward his PhD.
In 1970, they moved to Winnipeg, where she worked as a labour and delivery nurse at Victoria Hospital until retiring in 2000. After retirement, she briefly worked at a flower shop, which she really enjoyed.
She loved nature, birds and the outdoors, especially gardening and growing her own fruits and vegetables. She also loved the large indoor light garden Bill built for her so she could enjoy her plants year-round.
She loved to travel and was always a good sport, joining Bill on work trips even when it meant roughing it in a rainforest while he did research. Over the years, they travelled, sometimes with their children, to Trinidad, Ecuador, Fiji, Australia, Hawaii, Haiti, Morocco, Mexico, St. Lucia and many other places. Summer trips to B.C. to visit family and the family farm were always special. She made one last trip to B.C. to see family in September 2024 before she was no longer able to travel. In later years, she enjoyed cruises with family, as well as a memorable family trip to Halifax and down to Maine to visit the Comers.
She was a thoughtful and genuine woman with a big heart who rarely had an unkind word to say about anyone. She volunteered at schools, community centres and church, delivered hampers, and made scarves and mittens for those in need. An animal lover, she and Bill enjoyed many family cats over the years, including their Abyssinians, and she knitted blankets for the Winnipeg Humane Society.
A talented quilter, crocheter, knitter and seamstress, she made and repaired clothing for her family, along with many blankets and quilts for family and friends, several of which won prizes. She served as president of Manitoba Prairie Quilters, enjoyed annual quilting retreats with friends, and taught her skills to others, including her grandchildren, who continue these traditions today.
She loved to read and had a large library of books. She also enjoyed puzzles and crosswords, baking, her chocolate, and regular luncheons with longtime friends for many decades.
The family would like to thank the staff at River Ridge, St. Boniface Hospital, Seven Oaks and Middlechurch Home for taking such good care of Will during her recent stays.
Celebration of life will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. A private family burial has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, Nature Conservancy of Canada, or a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2026
