Heather Christine Preston was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Heather always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Heather was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.
Heather was born on December 13, 1987, at WakeMed Raleigh in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her parents were Harry Preston and Rosemary Wilson. Heather was raised in Raleigh NC, Harlingen TX and Gilbert AZ, Phoenix AZ, Flagstaff AZ and finally Scottsdale AZ. Always able to express herself well, Heather possessed strong interpersonal skills. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with great wit, Heather was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.
Blessed with a balanced attitude, Heather was able to relate well with others. Her occasional role as a family mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Heather was raised with two siblings. She had one younger brother, Sean and one younger sister, Erin. Heather had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.
As a young child, Heather showed her creative ability in many ways. She was outgoing and animated. Heather enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. In her spare time, she liked being with her brother and sister and watching cartoons, playing teacher, playing instruments. Heather's memorable achievements included the speech and debate team in her school years.
Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Heather was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. Her curious nature was spurred by her ability to maximize her personal learning style by employing a hands-on approach. She was good with facts and had an excellent memory. She graduated from Flagstaff High School in 2006. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Was in National High School Scholar Society, Lettered for Eagle's Academic Honor Roll, Scholar-Athlete Award, and Perfect Attendance.
When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Heather. Again, her direct, “down to earth” approach served her well. She was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. She earned her College of Teacher Education & Leadership from Arizona State University in 2009. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Master in Gifted Education from Grand Canyon University in 2019. Interned at Costa Rica for teaching, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Dean's list/Dean's Scholar and Earned Magnum Cum Laude.
Friends and acquaintances found Heather an easy woman to get to know, and those close to her would often praise her open, practical style of communication and a relaxed approach to life in general. Heather was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of her best friends were Rebekah Griffin, Lindsey, and Rachel Miller. Later in life, she became friends with Samantha Shafor, Rebecca Thacker-Arnold and all her colleagues and classroom kids in both elementary's schools.
Heather was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Heather’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. She could be a leader who sought an impact on her decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Heather was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Heather could multi-task, and she was endowed with an entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment. Her primary occupation was being an Elementary School Teacher. She was employed for Desert Horizon Elementary 2nd grade 1 year and Spitalny Justine Elementary 2nd grade 5 years.
Heather enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes. Her favorite pursuits were reading books, watching tv, playing her instruments, spending time with family and friends, going out on adventures, learning new things, meeting new people, and creating new memories. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.
Heather was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made her a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which she belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Heather worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. In high school, Heather was a member of the Speech and Debate Team. In college, Heather joined the Speech and Debate Team.
Heather held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to her. She was a member of Northland Baptist Church for 10 years, and Desert Valley Church. Faith was a core part of her life, she knew God was with her in every step she took.
Travel and vacations were experiences that Heather truly enjoyed. She preferred to seek out excitement wherever she went and she was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” She was willing to leave her plans open and flexible, just in case, something more interesting came along. Her favorite vacation was when she went to California with family. She liked the beaches, Disneyland, Knott Berry Farm, and Legoland. She traveled to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Philippines.
Heather was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Several of Heather’s favorites dogs was Sparkle a Golden Retriever, Max a Pekingese, Zonka a black and white Lab.
Heather passed away on November 12, 2019, at Abrazo West Campus Hospital. She is survived by her Mother Rosemary Wilson and her Father Harry Preston, Step Father Ken Wilson, Step Father Michael Darby, and her brother Sean and her sister Erin and Cousins, Aunts and Uncles and Grandfather David (Maria) Lopez and Grandmother Felipa Lopez and Grandfather Raymond Comley and Great Grandmother Rosa Salazar. Preceded by her Grandfather Melvin Darby, Grandma Ina Darby, and Grandma Datha Comley. Services will be/were held at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney. Heather will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Phoenix, AZ.
Heather was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes, and stories. If Heather had a theme song written about her, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Heather Christine Preston.
We all love you very much and we will miss you, my sweet girl may you rest in peace.
Love you from all of us.
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