Jean Preston

On September 6, 2015, Jean Preston (nee Stortz) passed away in the presence of her family. Jean was the devoted wife of the late Linford Preston and the the loving daughter of the late Lilly (Paterson) and Fred Stortz. Jean was the sister of the late Robert Stortz. She is survived by her niece Alice Stortz Baum of Indianapolis, 2 great nieces and numerous cousins and friends.

Jean was born and raised in Sparrows Point. When she graduated from high school, Jean worked for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. She married Linford Preston and upon retirement they moved to Fort Meyers, Florida. They lived on the water and enjoyed golf, boating and entertaining. Jean was adept at throwing dinner parties and kept detailed lists of who was in attendance and what she served. After Lin died in 1986, Jean returned to Dundalk to be near family. Her hobbies included gardening, playing the organ, knitting, needlework and baking. She was a lifelong advocate and supporter of animal rights, especially dogs and horses. An aid reader of books, newspapers and magazines, Jean volunteered for the local library well into her eighties and received accolades for her service; she also remained a Friend of the Fort Meyers Library. Until she died Jean remained interested in current events, especially if they were horse related. She was ecstatic to finally see another Triple Crown winner this spring and everyone who knew her got to share in her enthusiasm.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at St. George and St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 2900 Dunleer Rd., Dundalk MD 21222. Contributions may be made in Jean's memory to St. George and St. Matthews Church or Defenders of Animal Rights, 14412 Old York Rd., Phoenix MD 21131. Burial will be private.