Tribute to teacher and volunteer
Tributes have been paid to a well known formerWishaw teacher and communityvolunteerwhohasdied.
Clarissa Preston, known as Cris, a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away at the age of 93 at her care home in Belfast.
She had moved to Northern Ireland, to live with her eldest grandson, Paul Kane, some years ago, after the death of her only child, Helen. Lately she had required fuller residential care in a home.
Mrs Preston was born in Sheffield in 1927, and survived her street being bombed during World War Two.
From teaching she moved onto lecturing medical students in Sheffield. She was unable to be a doctor herself because she was a woman.
Then, in winter 1964, she and her daughter Helen, moved to be with her husband, Derek, who had overseen the planning and construction of Ravenscraig Steelworks.
He was British Steel’s Chief Fuel Engineer for some years.
She subsequently taught in several primary schools in the Wishaw area, including St Brigid’s in Newmains, moving up to the Mathematics and Science departments of Coltness High, before finishing back in Coltness Primary.
“She would always walk to school because she lived in Branchalwood,” said Paul.
“Unfortunately she had to retire in 1981 on health grounds but she so loved teaching”.
Mrs Preston and her late husband Derek were founding members of Motherwell and Wishaw Amateur Operatic Society. In addition they helped establish, and for some years were active, in the Clyde Valley Beavers Disabled Sport Club, for local kids with learning or physical difficulties.
She had serious health problems and was cared for by her husband till he became immobile and later died, in Wishaw General after a fall; about 16 years ago. She continued tending her garden, but kept more and more to herself, except when talking to her neighbours.
Her son-in-law, and grandchildren helped look after her for a while, since she was too independent to get on with care assistants in the house, being very independent in nature.
Mrs Preston’s eldest grandson Paul said: “We moved my nanna over to live with us six years ago because she was missing constant company, living alone at her home in Branchalwood.
“Her other three grandchildren Stephen, Derek and Lucy were very good at visiting when they could, reaffirming the family connection and providing the love and care that all three had in abundance.
“I have got three young children and she loved spending time with them and got to see them develop.
“When I posted on Facebook that she had passed away I was amazed at the response it got. I even had messages from people living as far away as Singapore.”
Sadly her daughter Helen died six years ago and Paul made the tough decision to move his nanna over to his home in Belfast for her to be closer to his family.
Paul added: “I know that all those who met her were greeted with the same loving smile.
“Clarissa always gave whoever she was with her full attention whether it was family, pupils, students, friends or neighbours. She was a very social person, longing for and loving conversation.
“I spent much time with her when I attended St Aidan’s High. She enjoyed her quality time with all four grandchildren - holidays in Blackpool included.
“She was proud of their achievements and of their maturity as people. They and her eight great grandchildren, Logan, Matthew, Iona, Isla, Darroch, Deòiridh and Faye, especially the eldest David, miss her greatly. She was very proud of all her family.
“Her ability to make you feel special and valued was a truly precious gift. She was always helping people, even fellow residents in the care home, until she became bed bound after falls.
“Unfortunately her funeral in Northern Ireland, was small due to Covid restrictions. She will be missed but I think that her final years were peaceful and dignified.”