Mary Elizabeth Preston

Mary Elizabeth Preston (Libby) of Shawsville, Maryland, age 91, passed away December 16, 2024, at her home in White Hall. She was the daughter of Joshua L. Nelson and Marion R. Nelson. She was predeceased by one baby sister, Anne Laurie Nelson, and two brothers, Robert N. Nelson and William L. Nelson. She was a lifelong member of Bethel Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir, printed the bulletins several years, played piano for children’s Sunday School in her teens, and was a Deacon one year. Mary graduated from North Harford High School in 1951, the first graduating class, went to Baltimore Business College, and worked at Edgewood Arsenal, Black and Decker, Harford Pharmacy, and Preston’s Stationery. 

Mary married her loving childhood sweetheart, now deceased, M. Ronald Preston, Sr. They were blessed with five children, Connie E. Hill (Michael) of Shawsville; John Robert Preston (Angela) of Norrisville; Mark Nelson Preston (Friend, Amy) of South Carolina; Patricia Diane McFatridge (deceased) (Kevin) of Stewartstown, PA; and M. Ronald ‘Rod’ Preston Jr. (Jeanette) of Shawsville. She also has nine grandchildren, Ryan Hill, Jeffrey Hill, Nancy Bunker, Kathy Frei, Jessica O’Brien, Jen Swindell, Jacob Preston, Meagan McFatridge, and Travis McFatridge (deceased). Additionally, Mary is survived by eleven great grandchildren, Gavin Hill, Nikki Hill, Elisiana Hill, Abigail Hill, Mya Frei, Reagan Frei, Aiden Bunker, Brooke Bunker, Ayden O’Brien, Brynn O’Brien and Madelyn Swindell. 

Mary’s family were the blessings and joy of her life. She loved camping with her family and friends, babysitting, and being involved with all her family, sewing and drawing and playing her organ, reading, and watching the Orioles and Ravens. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church Bethel Presbyterian Church, Liberty Christian Center, Parkinson's Foundation donation, or St. Jude's donation. 

Funeral Services will be private.