Obituary
Preston, Frances M. (Rull) – Age 103, of Medford, passed away peacefully on July 20.
Beloved wife of the late Henry A. Preston. Devoted mother of Kathleen Clarke and her husband Kevin of Sudbury, Anne Gilman and her husband David of South Carolina, Frances Post and her husband William of Chicago, Maureen Preston of Medford, Daniel Preston of Framingham, and Claire Quinn and her husband Brian of Medway. Cherished grandmother of 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of the late Helen Evans, Joseph Rull, Mary Tinnell, Daniel Rull, Dorothea Hines, John Rull, Edward Rull, and Cecilia Mozel. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Frances was sharp, funny, and full of quick comebacks that always made people laugh. She loved bingo, jelly donuts, and a good cup of coffee. A devoted Red Sox and Bruins fan, she cheered with so much passion in her younger years that she sometimes embarrassed her family at games.
She had a lifelong love of ice cream, especially banana splits, enjoying one final outing for her favorite treat at age 103.
She worked as a telephone operator for 32 years and had a close group of girlfriends who made those years full of laughter and friendship. One of her favorite stories was getting to listen in when Frank Sinatra was in town. She grew up in South Boston and later raised her family in Harvard Square, where she also helped care for many of her grandchildren.
After living independently until age 102, she spent her final few months living with family in a four-generational household where she was able to see loved ones every day and especially enjoyed the chance to spend time with two of her great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 27, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.), Somerville. A funeral procession will depart from the funeral home on Monday, July 28, at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford. Interment will follow at Cambridge Cemetery. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend.