Shirley May Preston

Shirley May (Eaton) Preston passed peacefully on February 24, 2025 at Presidential Oaks in Concord, NH.

Shirley was born June 6, 1931 to Winifred and Eva (Stickney) Eaton in Townsend, MA. Shirley was the youngest of five children. In 1945 the family moved to Penacook, NH where Shirley attended Penacook High School graduating in 1949. Shirley married Richard Nelson June 1949. They had two children, Christine (Nelson) Long, and Brenda C. Nelson.

 In 1956 Shirley moved to Loudon, NH. In 1970 Shirley remarried, to Donald E. Preston. They were married 34 years. They lived and worked on Golden Ridge Dairy Farm in Loudon, NH. In 1973 the farm was sold. They moved down to Rte 106 and opened Preston Repairs and Services, which remained in business until the mid 1990’s.

 Shirley and Donald had two children, Jennie (Preston) Allard and John R. Preston.

 Shirley played the organ at the Freewill Baptist Church and the Congregational Church, both in Loudon, and was active in the Loudon Grange.

 Shirley enjoyed animals (dogs and birds), cake decorating, crocheting, fishing with Donald, knitting, playing the organ, and sewing. 

 Shirley leaves behind two daughters; Christine (Nelson) Long of Belmont, NH; Jennie (Preston) Allard of Franklin, NH; a son John R. Preston of Loudon, NH; four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. 

 Shirley was predeceased by her parents and siblings; her husband Donald and daughter Brenda C. Nelson. 

 Celebration of Life will be held on March 20, 2025 4:00-6:00 pm at Granite State Baptist Church, 236 Sheep Davis Road, Concord NH.

 A private burial will be at a later date.