Philippa Constance Meredith Preston, 83

Coeur d'Alene

Philippa Preston, a cherished mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and sister, passed away Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011. She was born Oct. 10, 1928, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to Constance and Howard Smith.

While living in Canada, Philippa would make frequent visits with one of her girlfriends to Coeur d'Alene where they would stay at the old Desert Hotel in downtown Coeur d'Alene. During one of those visits, she met Orrin Brien and moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1960. Orrin and Philippa were married on March 5, 1960, and welcomed their daughter Rosemary Patricia on Jan. 26, 1962. For 10 years, Philippa and Orrin owned and operated the Pub Bar in downtown Coeur d'Alene where Hudson Hamburgers is now located. Orrin and Philippa later divorced and she married Don Preston in 1971. Philippa was proud to receive her U.S. citizenship in 1965.

In the late 1960s, Philippa began serving as a volunteer at the Panhandle Health District. Later becoming a full-time employee, she enjoyed a long career there spanning 27 years and retired in 1995. Philippa never learned to drive a car and could often be seen walking and riding her bike around town. She loved shopping at Nordstrom and would never dare be seen without lipstick or nicely manicured nails. Her greatest loves in life were her precious granddaughters, Carly and Maycie. She treasured her close relationship with her daughter, Rosemary, and shared a very special bond with her son-in-law, John, often referring to him as the son she never had.

Philippa is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary and John Goodlander of Coeur d'Alene; granddaughters Carly and Maycie Goodlander of Coeur d'Alene; sisters Rosemary Jarrett of Vancouver, Canada, and Patricia Agbin of Calgary; brother Rae Smith of Calgary; former husband and friend Don Preston of Kellogg; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Howard Smith.

The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Lake City Community Church. The family prefers memorial donations in Philippa's name to Coeur d'Alene Homes, 624 W. Harrison Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Ivy Court for their care and compassion the past couple years.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Philippa's online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.