November 1, 1932 – July 20, 2023
at the age of 90 years:

                  Memorial Service and Reception will be held at Fischer’s Funeral Home in Salmon Arm, on Saturday, July 29th, at 1pm.

 It is with saddened hearts the family of Florence Verna Preston announce her passing at the age of 90 at Bastion Care Facility in Salmon Arm BC.

Florence is predeceased by her parents Christian and Bertha Degg, sisters, Ella McFarlane, Laura Day and Viola Kessler, sister-in-law Joan and brother-in-law Ken Rycroft, son Donald (Schmidek) Preston and grand-daughter Rhonda Preston. She is survived by her sister Doreen McDonald, husband Ernest (Joe) Preston, children Brian (Sharon) Schmidek, Kathy Schmidek (Wilson Tan), Lynda Olson, Ernest (Judy) Preston, Michael (Tammy) Preston, and loving grandchildren, Kelsi (Peter), Kari, Angelo (Camille), Aaron, Beverly (Brian), Gaige, Austin, Danny (Nikki), and great grandchildren, Drake & Ali, Hunter & Annabelle, Keanna & Tayla (Ryan) and great, great grandchild, James. Also, her many and much beloved, nieces and nephews throughout B.C and Alberta as well as extended family members and dear friends.

Flo was born to a farm couple of immigrant parents from Europe who first arrived in the USA and later emigrated to Canada to cultivate and farm in the small community of Bowell, Alberta while raising five lovely daughters and surviving the “great depression” of the dirty 30’s. Florence grew up in the embrace of rich family values and virtues. Raised by the hardworking hands of a determined, devoted and loving father and mother. 

Flo left high school in Medicine Hat to work with the Medicine Hat Daily News as a clerk/stenographer, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. She also worked with the Alberta Provincial Department of Agriculture & Water Resources and the Medicine Hat Farmers Co-op. Her clerical and organizational skills and competency served her in securing a position to help found, from the ground up, Medicine Hat OK Ecomony.

She married at the age of 19, and had three children, Kathy, Brian and Donald, and moved to help work the family dairy farm near Dunmore, Alberta. Upon the sale of the farm the couple returned to continue raising their young family in Medicine Hat. The marriage sadly ended.

However, in later years, Flo was wooed by a well-travelled, charming man in a Canadian Armed Forces uniform who had originally emigrated from Peterborough, England, Ernest (Joe) Preston. They married in 1971 and moved to Calgary Alberta to begin their military lifestyle. With the addition of “Joe’s” children, Lynda, Ernie and Michael, they raised their blended family and later moved to Victoria BC where Flo’s love of gardening thrived. She left the mark of her amazing green thumb on every yard and garden she had ever lovingly attended.

In retirement, Flo and Joe moved from Victoria to Nanaimo and later to Nanoose Bay. Then, to be centrally located between family on the Island as well as in Alberta, they moved to the BC interior to Sorrento.

Flo loved the history of the western provinces which led to many a happy day of travel and camping throughout BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The couple later settled to live beside the river in the community of Enderby, in the amazing Okanagan Valley until her passing.

Florence’s genuine love and concern for her family and friends touched many lives in a meaningful and lasting way. Her gentle compassion and guidance made her welcomed company to so many who couldn’t help but love her in return. She was always ready to greet you with the warmest of hugs. She was a precious, authentic, beautiful, spiritual person and a deeply loved and respected wife, mother and friend.

Mom wishes to acknowledge the significance and her fondness for the special bonds she shared with these special friends; Les and Helen Varro, Linda Heinen, Stephanie Soondarsingh, Terry Van Meer and “all” the dear souls of Emanual Lutheran Church in Salmon Arm.

Also, for the cherished support of her Al-Anon friends and the many special caregivers for their gentle, loving kindness throughout the years.

Mom asked that we all “celebrate” in her reuniting with her Heavenly Father on her journey Home.

The family wishes to thank, for their support, Pastor John Kappes and church friends, Dr. Adriaan Louw and staff of Maple Tree Medical Clinic in Salmon Arm, Pharmacist David Robertson and supporting staff of Parkridge IDA Pharmacy in Enderby. Also, the doctors and nurses of Vernon Jubilee Hospital and those of Bastion Place Care centre for providing their gentle and compassionate care of Flo.

Service and Reception will be held at Fishers Funeral Home in Salmon Arm, on Saturday, July 29th, at 1pm.

        Should you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded in    

        Flo’s name to:

       John Atwood
        AFLC (Association of Free Lutheran Congregations) Canada
        Box 804
        Diamond Valley, AB   T0L0H0
        aflccanada.org

         CNIB Foundation
         Children & Youth Programs
         cnib.ca/en/programs-and-services/learn/children-and-you

         Bethesda Christian Association
         Bethesdabc.com/donate/