Jean T. Preston

Preston, Jean T.
RENSSELAER - Jean T. Preston, 82, of Rensselaer, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Alzheimers on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Home. Jean was the loving wife of Norman W. Preston; mother of John (Dawn) Preston, Jeff (Susan) Preston, James (Melissa) Preston, Joel (Peggy) Preston, and Jill (Joe) Kross; and devoted grandmother of John and Kelly Preston, Jake, Michael, and Lauren Preston, Luke and Madeline Preston, and Joe and Lauren Kross.
Jean was born in Rensselaer, N.Y., the daughter of the late Michael Malark and Virginia Luck; and is the sister of Michael Malark, Timothy Malark, Daniel Malark, Marion Fileau and Nancy Noland. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Patti Breeden; and brothers, Dennis and William Malark.
Jean spent many years donating her time to various organizations in the city of Rensselaer, including Rensselaer Pop Warner and The Rensselaer Volunteer Ambulance, serving
as an EMT, and a lifetime member and director of the annual variety show. Jean was an avid runner, and participated in many marathons and events throughout the years. One of her biggest accomplishments was competing in the 1995 World Senior Athletic Championships in Buffalo, N.Y., as well as winning numerous gold medals in the Empire State Games. She had a big heart, and shared it with her adoring family, as they were the center of her world. She loved to spend her summers at the beach, or by the pool, teaching her children and grandchildren how to swim. Jean also spent weekends in the summer at Knickerbocker Lake, working as a lifeguard, with her husband, Norm.
Friends and family are invited to call on Sunday, October 26, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in her memory Monday morning at 10 a.m., in the Parish of St. John the Evangelist and St. Josephs, 50 Herrick St., Rensselaer. Interment will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the health care staff of Van Rensselaer Manor, for the many years of compassionate care and support they provided both Jean and her family during her illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or Community Hospice.