Well-known 91原创 citizen Iris Preston passed away on Saturday, at the age of 85.
She was a key player in many community organizations in 91原创, and was an integral part of a dynamic duo with her husband George, who was mayor of the Township on two separate occasions and also operated a highly-successful General Motors dealership.
Iris Wolfe was born and grew up in Edmonton, to Frank and Margaret Wolfe. She received a home economics degree at the University of B.C. and worked after graduation in Edmonton, Toronto and for Woodward's Stores as "Miss B. Wright."
She met and married George, who grew up in Victoria, in 1957. After their marriage, they lived in the U.S. before returning to B.C. and choosing 91原创 as their home.
They established Preston Chev-Olds, taking over an existing GM dealership, and the business expanded greatly over the years. When they built a new showroom and dealership at 200 Street and Highway 10 in the early 1970s, many people felt it was "out of town," but they were ahead of their time, as the commercial centre of 91原创 shifted in that direction.
Iris was very involved with music, and was a life member of 91原创 Community Music School. She loved to sing and play the piano and was a member of the Vancouver Bach Choir. She was also a member of the Maysfield Singers and led a children's choir known as the Gloworms. She also led both youth and adult handbell groups.
She was also a volunteer with the YM/YWCA, the Daughters of the Nile, the Kinettes, Fort Festival, On Stage 91原创, 91原创 Hospice Society and 91原创 Arts Council. She was named in 91原创 in 2005, and was a founding member of 91原创 Home Support.
She was predeceased by her husband George, son Richard, brothers Merrill and Evan Wolfe and parents Margaret and Frank Wolfe. She is survived by her daughters Diane Preston and Robin Ladouceur, daughter-in-law Jackie Preston, five grandchildren, and her sister Lois Field.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 3 at 11 a.m. at Christian Life Assembly. In lieu of flowers, donations to 91原创 Community Music School or the United Churches of 91原创 would be appreciated.
