Shirley Preston

Shirley Janette Preston was born June 1, 1931 in Granite Falls, Washington to her wonderful parents, Olga (Bergwall) and Guy Sawyer, and died in Seattle on March 12, 2020. She was the loving sister of Melvin "Ike" Sawyer. Like many families during the pandemic, we were left with our private grief but sustained by many happy memories of our beautiful Mom. The defining moment of Shirley's life was meeting Sanford 'Sam' Isaac Preston at a high school dance in Granite Falls where she graduated in 1948. Their love was deep and lasting - 70 years. They loved to dance and play cards, and spent many happy retirement years motor-homing and visiting friends and family in the USA and Europe. Shirley enjoyed gardening, with a special fondness for her dahlias, shopping, knitting, cooking, travel, and hosting friends and family in her welcoming home on Warren Ave in Everett and later in Arizona. She especially loved babies who were always welcomed in her gentle, loving arms. Her generosity and kindness touched many and lives on through her five daughters Kathy, Sandy, Lori, Linda, Leanne and her ten grandchildren. Sam and Shirley spent their last years at Merrill Gardens First Hill in Seattle with Sam's devotion and tenderness easing the painful challenge of Shirley's struggle with Alzheimer's. Her beautiful spirit and sense of humor however, continued to shine until her death. We miss you Mom, but know that Love is Forever! Shirley Preston Love is Forever