Kathleen Ann Preston
January 4th, 1935 - October 20th, 2023
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Kathleen's Obituary
In loving memory of Kathleen Ann Preston
Kathleen Ann Preston, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 19, 2023 in St. Joseph, Michigan. She was born January 4, 1935, in Vassar, Michigan and was the cherished daughter of Morris and Lorna (Gruber) Briggs. She leaves behind a legacy of love to her family and friends.
Kathleen was deeply devoted to her husband Philip Preston. Together they built a life filled with love and adventure. She was the loving mother of Michael (Rosemarie) St. Clair, Maureen (Thomas) Langan, and Shawn (John) Kim, and step children Laurie (Sam) Treadway, Mark Preston, Tammy Preston, Linda Preston, and Jana (Matt) Serbenski. Kathleen adored her eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren, finding immense joy in spending time with them. She is survived by her loving husband, Philip, her devoted children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her dear cousin Dorothy Watkins and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Lorna Briggs, and her brothers, Thomas and Charles Briggs.
Kathleen had many passions in life. She and Philip enjoyed years of sailing the Great Lakes together. They also enjoyed spending winter months in Key West. She had a love for reading, swimming, playing tennis, and traveling the world, especially with her close-knit group of girlfriends. Together they made frequent trips to Chicago to enjoy The Art Institute, theatre, and The Lyric Opera. She had a special place in her heart for Paris.
She graduated from Vassar High School. She then settled in La Porte, Indiana, where she raised her three children.
She attended Purdue North Central University and before embracing retirement, she had a fulfilling lifelong career in newspaper and print advertising.
In addition to her personal pursuits, Kathleen was a dedicated member of the community. As a founding member of the Berrien County Women’s Democratic Club, she furthered the clubs initiatives while forming lifelong friendships with fellow members.
She was a member of Saron Lutheran Church and shared a loving relationship with her spiritual community, especially Pastor Joan Oleson.
Visitation with Kathleen’s family will be Tuesday, November 7, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 at Saron Lutheran Church, 510 Main Street, Saint Joseph.
Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.michaeljfox.org/ and the Caring Circle Hospice of St. Joseph at https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/caring-circle/ Contributions will continue her legacy of kindness and support for others, reflecting the compassionate spirit she embodied throughout her life.
Kathleen will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her love, kindness, and shared memories will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. Her family would especially like to thank her loving caregivers at Caretel and the devoted guidance of Hospice. May she rest in peace with the everlasting love of her family and friends.
Kathleen Ann Preston, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 19, 2023 in St. Joseph, Michigan. She was born January 4, 1935, in Vassar, Michigan and was the cherished daughter of Morris and Lorna (Gruber) Briggs. She leaves behind a legacy of love to her family and friends.
Kathleen was deeply devoted to her husband Philip Preston. Together they built a life filled with love and adventure. She was the loving mother of Michael (Rosemarie) St. Clair, Maureen (Thomas) Langan, and Shawn (John) Kim, and step children Laurie (Sam) Treadway, Mark Preston, Tammy Preston, Linda Preston, and Jana (Matt) Serbenski. Kathleen adored her eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren, finding immense joy in spending time with them. She is survived by her loving husband, Philip, her devoted children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her dear cousin Dorothy Watkins and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Lorna Briggs, and her brothers, Thomas and Charles Briggs.
Kathleen had many passions in life. She and Philip enjoyed years of sailing the Great Lakes together. They also enjoyed spending winter months in Key West. She had a love for reading, swimming, playing tennis, and traveling the world, especially with her close-knit group of girlfriends. Together they made frequent trips to Chicago to enjoy The Art Institute, theatre, and The Lyric Opera. She had a special place in her heart for Paris.
She graduated from Vassar High School. She then settled in La Porte, Indiana, where she raised her three children.
She attended Purdue North Central University and before embracing retirement, she had a fulfilling lifelong career in newspaper and print advertising.
In addition to her personal pursuits, Kathleen was a dedicated member of the community. As a founding member of the Berrien County Women’s Democratic Club, she furthered the clubs initiatives while forming lifelong friendships with fellow members.
She was a member of Saron Lutheran Church and shared a loving relationship with her spiritual community, especially Pastor Joan Oleson.
Visitation with Kathleen’s family will be Tuesday, November 7, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 at Saron Lutheran Church, 510 Main Street, Saint Joseph.
Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.michaeljfox.org/ and the Caring Circle Hospice of St. Joseph at https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/caring-circle/ Contributions will continue her legacy of kindness and support for others, reflecting the compassionate spirit she embodied throughout her life.
Kathleen will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her love, kindness, and shared memories will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. Her family would especially like to thank her loving caregivers at Caretel and the devoted guidance of Hospice. May she rest in peace with the everlasting love of her family and friends.
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