A Portrait of Family: The Soan-Preap Family

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

In the bustling heart of Montreal, Canada, Mora Soan's journey began—a journey that would intertwine her fate with that of her loving husband, Jack Preap. Their love story, ignited by a chance encounter at a family wedding, quickly blossomed into a lifelong partnership and adventure. 

"From the moment I saw his genuine smile, I knew he was the one," Mora reminisced. “Jack has all the qualities I was looking for in a husband: caring, honest, and compassionate.” Jack took his shot, and the very next day the two were in France together.

“For three weeks, we roamed Europe as carefree tourists, creating cherished memories that would bind us.”

One thing that binds them is their respect for education, lifelong learning, and continual improvement in all aspects of their lives. Jack, a distinguished graduate of Carnegie Mellon, embarked on a career path in electrical engineering, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to excellence. 

“Jack highly values education and is always seeking opportunities for self-improvement,” Mora said. Jack works for Booz Allen Hamilton. 

Mora graduated from College de Rosemont in Montreal, Canada with a degree in business management. 

“Later, I pursued my college degree in accounting at Nova,” said Mora. “Currently, I work as a paraprofessional at Kate Waller Barrett for Stafford County,” dedicating herself to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning.

Their union blessed them with two remarkable teenagers, Brandon and Lana Preap, each carving their own unique paths in the world. Brandon, with a passion for Biomedical Science, aspires to become an ophthalmologist. 

“Brandon is also a car enthusiast and enjoys visiting car collections,” said Mora.

Meanwhile, Lana, a shining star at North Stafford High School, showcases her talents in music, art, and community service. With nearly a decade of piano mastery under her belt, Lana's artistic flair shines through her illustrations and her dedication to achieving the coveted Gold Award in Girl Scouts Troop 5461. 

“Lana possesses a remarkable talent for art and serves as the illustrator for the captivating Jacob in Japan,” Mora said. Mora is the author of the children’s book Jacob in Japan, which is Mora’s first children’s book that tells the tale of a picky eater who must learn to try new foods if he wants to travel the world. She also contributes to our local magazines, Stafford Living, Neighbors of Chancellorsville, and Neighbors of Courthouse, through her creative kids’ crafts. 

“Growing up, I discovered immense joy in the art of drawing and painting. I would borrow books from my local library and immerse myself in learning how to paint landscapes,” she explained. “I also enjoy reading personal growth books.”

Following Mora’s lead, the rest of the Soan-Preap household resonates with creativity and compassion. From her early days immersed in the art of drawing and painting to her commitment to volunteer work at the Lloyd Moss Free Clinic, Mora's spirit of generosity and creativity knows no bounds. Her eclectic hobbies, from crocheting to writing children's books, reflect her boundless passion for self-expression and philanthropy.

Their family dynamic was further enriched by the addition of Bailey, a senior Shih Tzu rescued by Mora three years ago. Bailey's gentle presence brought joy and warmth to their home, becoming an integral part of their family adventures and cherished memories.

“Bailey was sweet and gentle, and his little face was adorable,” Mora said. “I treasured his companionship, and he even became a part of our family trips to Montreal, and I even crocheted hats and clothes for him.” Sadly, Bailey left the Soan-Preap family too soon, but his little paws left impressions on their hearts. 

Stafford, Virginia, has left its own impression as well.

“We relocated to Stafford 22 years ago because of Jack’s job,” Mora explained. “With the birth of my son, followed by the arrival of my daughter three years later, the house became our loving nest where we’ve made countless unforgettable memories.” Here Mora and Jack transitioned from the hustle and bustle of city life to the tranquility of suburban life. 

“I grew up in a city where stores and restaurants were just a short walk away, and I could easily take the bus to spend the day exploring downtown Montreal. The transition to the quiet suburban lifestyle in Stafford was a significant change, but I’ve managed to adapt and find joy in the more relaxed pace of life.”

Mora and Jack discovered newfound joys in tending to their garden, “where in the summertime, we delight in harvesting tomatoes, bitter melon, radishes, and more,” and exploring the quaint charm of downtown Fredericksburg.

“Downtown Fredericksburg is my absolute favorite destination. I could easily spend an entire day hunting for treasures in the antique stores. Each rare object from the past feels precious and carries its own unique story,” Mora said. 

“The charming little coffee shops, local bakeries, and La Petite Auberge never fail to transport me back to France in my daydreams. And, of course, the Jabberwocky Bookstore holds a special place in my heart as the most magical spot of all.”

Mora has brought her own magic to the Jabberwocky, as they sell Jacob in Japan on their shelves, and she helps to spread magic through her volunteerism as well. Mora is involved in several activities in her neighborhood, has participated in the breast cancer walk at Mary Washington Hospital, and can be seen at Kate Waller Barrett’s Trunk-or-Treat at Halloween. She’s donated her book to local libraries and also crochets toys for the animal shelter.

As a family, they find fun and rejuvenation in the shores of Virginia Beach, where the soothing rhythm of the waves beckons them to unwind and reconnect with nature. Camping and hiking adventures in the woods provide moments of respite, strengthening their bond and creating lasting memories.

“I believe it’s important to connect with nature,” Mora explained. And the Soan-Preap Family will continue to make connections within the community and with each other as they continue to write their story– one cherished moment at a time.