ROQUE BLUFFS – Phyllis Preston died Saturday, July 30, 2011. She was born March 21, 1916, in Jonesboro, one of seven children to parents Orin and Nettie (Hatch) Marston.
Phyllis was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, John Butler Preston; daughter-in-law, Ora Berry Preston; and granddaughter, Kelly Preston. She is survived by her daughter, Rosalee Forester; son, John Robert Preston; grandchildren, Paula Eaton and husband, Walter, Pam Smith and husband, Kim, Tammi Brooks Aiello and husband, Dan, Travis Forester and wife, Beata, Troy Forester, and Kristy Preston Ellsmore; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Colin Marston and wife, Connie; and sister, Bernice Bowers.
Phyllis lived through, and was shaped by, things that have been largely forgotten – the hard life of a lobsterman, long Maine winters and the Depression. She grew up to be resilient, careful and hardworking. She was pleased to pass on some of these life lessons to her children and grandchildren. She had a good sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. She was a good woman and was loved by many, including her sister, Bernice, and son-in-law, George Flynn and his wife, Ginny, all who helped care for her throughout the years. Phyllis and her husband, John, operated a lobster business in Roque Bluffs, where they lived for most of their life together. Phyllis and John Preston donated the land for Great Cove Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband.
Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 220 Court St., Machias, where a funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4. Interment will be afterward at Great Cove Cemetery, Roque Bluffs. Contributions may be made to Downeast Hospice, R.R. 1 Box 11, Machias, ME 04654. Condolences may be made at
www.bragdonkelley.com.