Iris (Wolfe) Preston
Nov 19, 1926 – April 21, 2012
Iris Preston passed away peacefully April 21, 2012. Iris was born on November 19, 1926 in Edmonton to Frank and Margaret Wolfe. She attended Oliver and Victoria High Schools in Edmonton, then took a Home Economics degree at U.B.C., and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority there. Following graduation, she worked as a dietitian at the University Hospital in Edmonton, the Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, and was “Miss B. Wright” for the Woodward’s Stores. She met and married the love of her life, George Preston, in 1957. They then lived in Michigan and Boston for a time, where George worked for Manufacturers Life. Iris sometimes operated cooking schools for kids out of their home. While in Boston they welcomed children Richard, Diane and Robin into their home. They then moved back to B.C. and decided on Langley as their home, establishing the Preston Chev-Olds dealership in Langley. Iris was the mayor’s wife for several years and opened their home often to friends and family. They travelled extensively, helping out with seniors’ tours.
Iris loved music. She loved to sing and play the piano. She often toured with the Vancouver Bach Choir. She was also a member of the Maysfield Singers, as well as the leader of a childrens choir called “The Gloworms”. She was a life member of the Langley Music School. She led a youth handbell group for many years, and then was the leader of the Barclay Bells, out of the Langley Seniors’ Centre.
Iris was a great supporter of the Langley Community. She volunteered with the YMYWCA in Langley. She was active in the Daughters of The Nile as well as the K-Ettes and was also Senior Citizen of the Year. Iris was a Founding member of Langley Home Support.
Iris is survived by children Diane Preston and Robin Ladouceur, daughter-in-law Jackie Preston (Kevin Mallar), grandchildren Marshal Geyer, Brooke-Anne Preston, Stephanie and Tyler Ladouceur and Austin Mallar, and sister Lois Field as well as numerous nieces and nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband George, son Richard, brothers Merrill and Evan Wolfe, and parents Margaret and Frank Wolfe. She is greatly indebted to her wonderful caregivers Shannon, Val, and Elaine, who gave her loving care in her home for 3 years.
Memorial Service will be held at Christian Life Assembly at 21277 56th Avenue, Langley B.C. on Thursday May 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Karen Verveda officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The United Churches of Langley or the Langley Music School.