October 19, 1940 - January 14, 2020
Patricia Marie Borofski Preston, age 79, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2020 after a long and brave battle with Alzheimer's disease. Patricia was predeceased by her husband, Edwin F. Borofski, who died at the age of 42, making Patricia a widow at age 35 as well as a single mother to her then 13 year old daughter, Ann Marie. Patricia was predeceased by her second husband, Michael David Preston.
Despite the many trials of her life, Patricia went on to become a registered nurse, later earning a Master's Degree and finally a Doctorate in Education, eventually using her degree in the field of Special Education. Dr. Preston was well-loved and respected by her students, their parents, and her faculty. She was a steadfast champion for all people with disabilities and served many years as a Member of the Luzerne-Wyoming Executive Commission on Drugs and Alcohol. Before the heartbreaking decline associated with her illness, Patricia remained devoted to social consciousness and impacted may lives with her kindness and unique ability to be aware of the dignity of others suffering from hardship.
Foremost, Patricia was a cherished and respected mother in addition to being a devoted and beloved grandmother. She was a believer in hard work and strong values and always led by example. Patricia believed in the independence and equality of women and always asked her loved ones to "set high expectations". Patricia's inner strength and capacity to love was known to many. She will be missed every minute of every day.
Patricia is survived by her daughter, Ann Marie Siegal (Todd) and her grandchildren, Gabriel, Jordan and Taylor. She is also survived by her sister, Marlene Thatcher, and brothers John and Mark McNealis. Patricia is predeceased by her mother, Julia Elizabeth McNealis.
A private memorial will be held with family. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. Join the fight in memory of all affected by this disease.
Special thanks would like to be offered to all the caregivers who were a part of Dr. Preston's journey. It is a privilege to care for the seriously ill but also a difficult task. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to all of the aids, nurses, hospice staff and medical professionals who provided comfort and friendship over the years. Deepest thanks to Gretchen and Sue who were there until the end for "Patti".
Excerpt from the Farewell
Kahil Gibran 1883-1931
Farewell to you and the youth I have spent with you.
It was but yesterday we met in a dream.
You have sung to me in my aloneness,
And I of your longings have built a tower in the sky.
But now our sleep has fled and our dream is over,
And it is now longer dawn.
The noontide is upon us and our half waking has turned to a fuller day,
And we must part.
If in the twilight of memory we should meet once more,
we shall speak again together and you shall sing to me a deeper song.
And if our hands should meet in in another dream,
we shall build another tower in the sky.
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