Eleanor Ethel Wiebrecht

Eleanor Ethel (Preston) Wiebrecht, 88, of Frostburg went home to the Lord on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. She was reunited with her husband, James William (Jim) Wiebrecht, who passed in 2017. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2008. 

Born May 28, 1937 in Frostburg, she was the daughter of the late William Clarence Preston and Anna Ethel (Murphy) Preston. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Dr. Gilcin Meadors, as well as her five brothers: Bill (and wife, Betty), Jim, John “Hack” (and wife, Ruth), Oscar (and wife, Betty), and Owen Preston (and his first wife, Helen, as well as his second wife, Alice Olene); a sister in-law, Susan Mickey (and her husband, Edgar “Mick” Mickey); a niece, Kate McKenzie, and nephews, Paul Preston and Bobby Preston. 

Eleanor graduated Northern Garrett High School in 1955 and held various jobs, including Frostburg’s Tally-Ho Restaurant, the C&P Telephone Co., the Welcome Wagon, and the Frostburg Interfaith Food Pantry. She helped milk 20 cows when she and Jim owned a dairy farm on Long Stretch in their early years of marriage. She retired from Frostburg State University in 1999 where she worked in the mailroom. In later years, she often said that her years at FSU were among her favorites. 

She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Bond (and husband, Bill) and Sharon Meadors. She also leaves behind three granddaughters, Justine Meadors (and partner, Dion), Brittany Bible (and husband, Daniel, and their sons, Gavin and Jasper Bible), Abbey Brodie (and husband, Braxten, and their daughters, Caelyn, Adalyn, and Layklyn Brodie). One sister-in-law, Betty Preston, also survives her as well as several nieces and nephews. 

Eleanor was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Frostburg and a 50- year member of the Mountain Chapter 15 Order of the Eastern Star. She also enjoyed attending Frostburg’s Zion United Church of Christ. Eleanor had an exuberance for life and for sharing her faith as well as for writing poetry, cooking, and community involvement. She especially enjoyed hosting Christmas morning breakfasts for extended family. In 1968 she wrote the locally recognized poem about the true meaning of Christmas, which her brother Bill Preston recited for decades as Frostburg’s Santa Claus. She leaves a collection of her poetry and several personal journals, including one in which she wrote, “I have had a wonderful and fulfilling life, and I wish I could open a book and relive the beautiful memories––how we found God’s guidance through every struggle. I enjoyed every minute; it was a wonderful journey.” 

The family extends deep gratitude to the quality care provided by Bonnie Rice, Dr. Kenneth Buczynski of Wellspring Family Medicine, UPMC Western Maryland 7 South medical team, Sterling Care at Frostburg Village, and many friends, extended family, and neighbors. Eleanor enjoyed decades of close companionship with her niece, Gail McKenzie, and her husband, Dale, and son, Michael, who were faithful in her household needs once her husband passed. Her neighbor, Gwen Miller, was also a steady source of support. 

A viewing will be held at Durst Funeral Home Sunday, April 19, from 1 to 4 pm with the Eastern Star conducting a service at _ pm (Waiting for confirmation on E.S. service time). The funeral will begin at 11:00 am on Monday, April 20, followed by a graveside service at Frostburg Memorial Park. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Frostburg, 33 Broadway, or Zion United Church of Christ, 160 E. Main St, Frostburg.