Catherine C. Preston

Farmington – Catherine C. Preston, age 87, passed away peacefully, on December 25, 2025, surrounded by love. She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Peter J. Preston; three loving daughters, Virginia (David) Merwin, Beverly Blackwell (Mark E. Ducar) and Katie Bell (Christopher D. Manns); four grandsons who brought her great joy, J.R. Jones III, George "Drew" Dollinger, Preston Bell and John Merwin; dear sister, Jean C. Randall; and treasured nieces, nephews, members of the Harris and Collamer families and many thoughtful friends, all of whom she held close to her heart. She was predeceased by her parents, John W. Collamer Sr. and Elizabeth "Betty" (Harris) Collamer of Hilton; and brother, John W. "Bill" Collamer Jr.
Catherine spent her childhood in Hilton, NY, growing up on her family's apple farm, an upbringing that fostered her curiosity, dedication to learning, and strong work ethic.
Catherine pursued her higher education at Endicott College in Beverly, MA, and Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, later earning her master's degree from Nazareth University in Rochester, NY.
She devoted more than forty years to education, touching countless young lives as a classroom teacher and reading specialist, mostly at Canandaigua Primary School. Her passion for helping children extended beyond the classroom through her volunteer work with the Salvation Army after-school program and Budding Readers, an organization which provides free books and parenting guidance to families in Ontario County.
A lifelong learner, avid reader, and gardener, Catherine found great joy in books, flowers, and time spent "at the lake." She was a past member of the Chatterbox Club, Rochester, NY, Canandaigua Book Guild, local garden clubs, and the Seventh District of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State. Some of her most treasured memories were made during summers at Shore Acres on Lake Ontario, surrounded by family and friends. She especially loved hosting picnics with her sister, making s'mores with her grandsons over a campfire, and quietly watching the sun set over the water.
Catherine and her family wish to express sincere appreciation to the staff of The Meadows at M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua, for their professional and compassionate care.
Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Catherine's honor may be made to Budding Readers at buddingreaders.org/donate/. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.