Remembering Sister Polly Preston, CSJ

January 6, 1937 – August 17, 2024

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Polly Preston, CSJ, who died peacefully on August 17, 2024 at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Sister Polly was a gracious friend, an imaginative and energetic teacher, and a passionate advocate for the development of young minds and the care they receive as they develop.

She was born Margaret Ann Preston on January 6, 1937 to Frank and Teresa (Sweetser) in Minneapolis. She entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1956 where she was given the name San Marco. Her educational path included a bachelor of arts in elementary education from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul (1961) and a master of arts in human development with a specialty in psychology from St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnestoa (1986).

Sister Polly taught elementary education for nearly 20 years at many Twin Cities schools run by Sisters of St. Joseph, including Holy Spirit, St. John and Transfiguration in St. Paul; St. Edward in Minnesota; and Holy Rosary in Graceville, Minnestoa. From there, she went to work at Incarnation House in Minneapolis as a child therapist and childcare consultant.

In 1993, Sister Polly realized a long-time dream when she, along with the help and passion of many others, established INSTEP (Innovative Supports to Empower Parents) a safe haven for immigrants, refugees and all, that provided child care for parents so they could attend classes that would help them to become more independent. In addition to the parent programs, Sister Polly flourished as she worked hard to fundraise and develop programs for children who, without them, might have fallen through the cracks. Even in retirement, she was generous with her time on the INSTEP Board, volunteering and fundraising for the cause.

She was a great listener who advocated for the outsider and went above and beyond for those who seemed to need extra help. Sister Polly’s generous spirit and caring heart will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Sister Polly is preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mary Long and Sally Nelson; brothers Chuck, Frank and Tom Preston. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews; dear friends; the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and consociates.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Memorials in her honor are preferred to go to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.

Dear Polly, rest in love and peace.