Paul's mom Eleanor "Fran" Preston died last evening in Milwaukee. She was 93. She and her husband Mike would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary next week. Fran was an accomplished artist, working for Rustcraft Greeting Cards in Joliet, Illinois. Her portrait of Jesus signing “I love you” has been reproduced and distributed to deaf people around the world. Her original pastel drawing was presented to Pope Paul VI on one of his visits to the U.S. Returning to college when she was in her 40’s, Fran became the first deaf commencement speaker at a non-deaf school: Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Fran and her husband Mike enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Canada and Mexico including many national parks. They especially loved to camp in their motor home even into their late 80s.

At the end, she told Paul and Tim to take care of themselves as well as to watch over Paul's Dad who is 96. He stayed with Fran for 10-11 hours a day at the nursing facility, every day for over 3 weeks. Paul and Tim are grateful they took the chance to go out to Milwaukee and spend time with Fran. Even though she slept most of the time, when she was awake for a few minutes a day she remained quite sharp. Now she is at peace. At her request, no services are planned.