Florence Preston

Prattsville,South Kortright- Florence Lorraine Hoyt, Conine, Preston passed away February 20th, 2014 In the "Spring" Florence Lorraine Hoyt was born on April 17, 1936 in Ashland, NY to Helen Howland Hoyt and Albert (Dobin) M. Hoyt Sr. She was a graduate of Gilboa- Conesville Central School where she was a cheerleader and head majorette. In the "Summer" of her years, Florence married Everett A. Conine on September 1, 1953. They operated, then owned Red Falls Dairy Farm and had four children, Mona, Janelle, Casey and Mitchell. She worked for many years at the Prattsville Diner and Al's Fish Market in Windham, NY as a cook and waitress. Flo was a member of the U.M Women's Group at the Prattsville United Methodist Church where she generously volunteered her time assisting with her cooking and baking skills. She loved hosting parties including her children's weddings. In the "Fall" of her years. after 37 years of marriage and Everett's death..she donated land to the Town of Prattsville, formerly known as the Prattsville Fairgrounds, which is now known as the Everett Conine Memorial Ball Field which was dedicated on May 26,1991. In the "Winter" of her years, she met Robert B. Preston, who was widowed after 43 years. "Flo and Bob" were wed on December 24, 1999 and she acquired more children, Steven and Mike and granddaughter Alexandra. When asked "how long they were married?" they always referred to the total number of years they both had been married previously and together. This past year, it totaled 94 years! She was predeceased by first husband, Everett A. Conine, brother- in-law Forrest Kinney and half brothers Albert M. Hoyt Jr. and Kenneth L. Hoyt. She is survived by: Her husband Robert B. Preston of South Kortright. Her children, Mona and Tom Collum, Janelle and Ken Maurer, Casey and David Jaeger and Mitch and Lori Conine. Grandchildren Luke Maurer, Julie Maurer and fianc Roman Tavarez, Jesse Jaeger and Sheena Jaeger. Her step children, Steven Preston, Mike Preston and fianc Kathy Sramek. Step Grandchildren Alexandra Preston, Shane Manning and Lance Keller. Her half brothers David L. Hoyt and Larry T. Hoyt. Sisters-in-laws Pauline and Harvey Osborn and Lillian Kinney. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Flo will be remembered for her delicious apple pie, cole slaw, homemade soup and for always sharing new recipes. Her hobbies were reading, bird watching, crossword puzzles, dancing and family time. Her" infectious smile", friendly nature and generosity will always be remembered by her loved ones and all who knew her. The family would like to thank Dr. Ostovar, Hospice, Chaplain Garrett and Chaplain Betsey Jay and all the staff at Bassett Hospital for their "special care" of Florence. To honor Flo's wishes, there will be no viewing. A memorial service will be held in the "Spring of 2014"at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care 1 Birchwood Drive Oneonta NY 13820 or Pratt Museum for "Flood Restoration of Collections" PO BOX 333 Prattsville NY 12468