Freda (LaPoint) Preston

Born on Dec. 23, 1933 to Earl and Erma LaPoint, Freda was raised in Pierrepont with her nine brothers and sisters. She eventually moved to Lake Placid where she met her lifelong love, G.Duane Preston, or “Red” as he is best known, while she was working at the Chicken Coop in town. They were married Oct. 12, 1953 and the rest, they say, is history.

Together Red and Freda raised five children. Rarely, if ever, did the pair miss a sporting event, or any activity that their children were involved in, despite both working multiple jobs to ensure their family was provided for. Through hard work, love of others, and love of her community, Freda taught her children gratitude, selflessness and a strong sense of family.

Freda spent many years working at the Gordon W. Pratt Agency Inc. where she was loved by her coworkers and adored by most who came into contact with her. This was the perfect position for the social butterfly, who was always the brightest light in any room that she entered, full of lively energy and endless spunk. She was, quite simply, everyone’s mother, aunt, grandmother, or friend.

The Preston Annual Labor Day Party was the highlight of the year; her homemade rolls and desserts were sought after by anyone lucky enough to have tried them; and her pool was open for anyone to enjoy. Just as long as you were a Yankees fan, of course.

Above all, and known to everyone who had one minute to listen to her, Freda made it clear that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. The love she poured into her five children produced six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom were “her babies.” In the end, she lived for the photographs, and the videos, and the sweet chatter of her great-grandkids as they played in her sunroom.

Freda is survived by her husband, G. Duane (Red); daughter Karen Soper; sons Greg (Linda), Jeff, Chris (Debra), Tim (Jody); six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves a sister, Erma Gerardi and many nieces and nephews.

Calling Hours will be held from 4 to 7 tonight at the M. B. Clark Inc. Funeral Home in Lake Placid. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 at the Adirondack Community Church in Lake Placid. The Rev. Derek Hansen, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in North Elba Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the name of Freda Preston to the Thomas Shipman Youth Center (www.shipmanyouthcenter.org/donate) or the Lake Placid Youth Athletic Association (PO Box 129, Lake Placid, NY 12946.)

Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory, upload a photo, order flowers, or leave condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.