Jennifer Jean Preston

1970 - 2022

Jennifer Jean Preston, 51, of Baltimore, died unexpectedly on July 10. Jenny was born in 1970 in Baltimore to Richard Preston and Stephanie Pfeiffer. After her mother, Stephanie, married Harold (Hal) Standiford in 1973, she grew up in Baltimore with siblings Chris Preston, Sarah Standiford, and Mather Preston surrounded by a devoted community of Prestons, Standifords, and Pfeiffers.

Jenny attended Friends School, Garrison Forest and John Carroll before graduating with a B.A. from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel). She had a long career in the service industry and was a talented home chef before becoming a full-time mother. She earned a paralegal degree later in life, graduating with straight A's. She was a talented athlete, especially in lacrosse and loved outdoor activities such as climbing and skiing.

Jenny was creative, bold, and sensitive - qualities that gave joy and an inexhaustible capacity and talent for creative pursuits such as sewing, cooking, and home decor. She was gregarious and made friends everywhere. She traveled widely as a young person, and in later years lived in Colorado, Virginia, California, Washington, D.C. and Easton, Maryland before returning to Baltimore to be closer to Hal and Stephanie.

Her greatest pride and joy were her daughters Jordan and Keira Sharif from her marriage to Karim Sharif. They take after their mom in that they too are talented students, artists, and athletes who care deeply about their community. Jenny was a good mother and caregiver.

Jenny had struggled with addiction and bipolar disorder, demonstrating through those challenges her strength and capacity to overcome. In treatment communities she excelled as a caretaker of others and community contributor. She always greeted strangers as friends, especially those less fortunate, understanding that everyone is in a position to both receive and give help. She rescued more than a few dogs and cats over the years.

Says daughter Jordan, "Jenny was like a wildfire. I really don't know how else to describe her, nothing could touch her without getting a little burnt. But she was also my torch of light through the hardest part of my life."

Jenny is survived by parents Hal and Stephanie Standiford, daughters Jordan and Keira Sharif and family, siblings Chris Preston, Sarah Standiford, and Mather Preston and their families. She was predeceased by her father Rev. Richard Preston. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.RuckFuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a gift in her name to Maryland SPCA, 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21211 or to Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center, 1717 Rayville Rd, Parkton MD 21120.

Jenny reminds you to tip your server.