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.