Elizabeth Wright Preston

Elizabeth W. Preston, 99, of Bel Air, passed away on April 7, 2023, at Avondell Assisted Living. She was born in Baltimore, on May 6, 1923, to the late C. Milton and Bertha (Martin) Wright. Raised in Bel Air, Mrs. Preston attended Harford County Public Schools and graduated from Bel Air High School in 1940. She attended Western Maryland College and graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bel Air.

Betty married Don, her high school sweetheart, in 1946 upon his return from the War. They were married for 75 years until his death in 2021. While raising 4 children, Mrs. Preston was active within the Bel Air community and Harford County. In the 1960’s, Betty was actively involved at Bel Air High School with the AFS (American Field Service) Program. She served as a 4-H Club Leader as well as a Girl Scout Leader. In support of the Bel Air Rotary Club, she served as a charter member and past president of the Bel Air Inner Wheel. She also worked as a volunteer for a number of years at Fallston General Hospital. Betty was an avid bridge player and played with multiple bridge groups in the Bel Air area. She was also a charter member of the Mt. Gretna Group. As the owner of Preston’s Stationery, Don was active in the National Office Products Association and Betty provided support as they traveled the country on Association business. Betty and Don were recognized by the Harford County Council as Harford County Living Treasures in 2011.

In retirement, Betty and Don enjoyed motor coaching all over the United States (including Alaska) and Canada. When not traveling, during the winter, they resided in Florida. Despite her failing eyesight due to macular degeneration, she decided to take up oil painting and was quite prolific with the works she created.

She is survived by her beloved children: Robert M. Preston, Sr., and wife Susan, Marcia L. Zbikowski and husband Joel, Ann G. Ragan and husband Danny, Lauren P. Andrews and husband Robert; 6 grandsons: Robert M. Preston, Jr., and wife Heather, Garrett C. Ragan and wife Ashley, Bryan W. Zbikowski and wife Jill, C. Frank Hopkins III and wife Beth, Jonathan F. Zbikowski, Andrew G. Ragan and wife Jennifer; granddaughter, Kimberly M. Preston-Bond and husband Kevin; and 13 great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Preston was predeceased by her sister, Mary Wright Barnes.