Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Janine M. Preston

Belfast, NY - Janine M. Preston, age 66, of Belfast, NY, passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2018. She was born in Cuba, New York, on October 4, 1951, to James “Red” and Marie (McMahon) Allen. 

Janine graduated from Friendship Central School as salutatorian of her class in 1969. She was owner/manager at Preston Truck Sales before furthering her education. Janine graduated from Jamestown Community College, earning Associate’s degrees in Nursing and Social Sciences. She began her career as a registered nurse at Cuba Memorial Hospital and then worked at Hillside Children’s Center, supervising the medical care of foster children. After retirement, she served as the director of the Belfast Public Library, providing enriching and popular programs to both youth and adult patrons. Janine also served on the Belfast Central School Board for 15 years and was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. 

Throughout the years, Janine baked and decorated amazing cakes for special occasions from birthdays to weddings and enjoyed hosting gatherings. She loved taking care of her family. Janine enjoyed traveling, having visited Ireland, France, Italy, Romania, Australia, the Bahamas, Alaska, Hawaii, and many other destinations. She was an avid patron of local theater and shared this appreciation with her family. She also painted, crafted, gardened, and played the guitar. Her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren adored her for her patience and fun-loving spirit. 

Janine is survived by her children, Mark (Lisa) Preston of Rochester, Brian (Amanda) Preston of Belfast, Sarah (Derek) Decker of Fillmore, and Michael (Patty) Preston of Belfast; grandchildren, Grace, Serena (Damien Dahill), Collin, Benjamin, Alexis, Brynn, Lydia, Henry, Ella, and Norah; siblings, Thomas (Kay) Allen of Wellsville, Timothy (Terry, deceased) Allen of Belfast, Susan (Ron) Trail of Bath, Anne (David) Cummins of North Carolina, and Raymond Allen of Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is her aunt, Ellen Dorsett of Wisconsin, who was very special to Janine.  She was predeceased by her parents, Marie and James, and sisters, Pamela and Catherine.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 2nd from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Belfast on Saturday, February 3rd at 11 a.m.  Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Belmont. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Belfast Public Library Board, P.O. Box 455, Belfast, NY, 14711.

Janine was beloved for her generosity, humor, kindness, and dedication to the community. She graciously nurtured her friends, family, and young people and was a gentle, loving presence to all . To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

6 comments:

  1. The few times I got to see Janine, it was evident she was a very special person. I know she will be missed by many. Prayers and thoughts for the family during this very difficult time. -- Sandi Meyers

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  2. Prayers and thoughts are with the family. Janine was loved by many.

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  3. Praying for you (Mike and all) during your time of loss. Sad to miss visitation with Lions Club, but out of town. Peace and hope ... Pastor Bob and Lana Mackmer

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  4. Janine was a very special lady. She will surely be missed by many. Cherish the memories...our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Leighton and Carol Graham

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  5. May your family find joy in rememberence of your life, Janine, I know I will. Prayers of peace and comfort go out to your family from us. Katya and Alfredo Fuentes

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