Obituary of Margaret Jean Ford

Margaret Jean Elizabeth (Ferguson) Ford, 25 April 1925 - 20 July 2019.

“After 94 years, I have finally been able to go on to my new life! I know it's bittersweet for my family, but I am watching over all of you with love. I am grateful to many more of you than I am able to name in this small space right now, but am especially thankful for my husband Arnold A. Ford (who has been waiting for me to join him since 1998) and my children David K. Ford (Kerstin), Peter T. Ford (Anne) and Evelyn G. Ford (Paul).  At my graduation from the University of Toronto, I remember the Keynote Speaker's emphasis on raising our children to the best of our abilities. Arnold and I tried - you be the judge of our efforts!

     If I am going to be given a crown to wear in this new life, in place of diamonds (and much more precious to me) will be stones that represent each of my grandchildren. I am so grateful for the joy they brought into my life: Nathaniel F. Southen, Daniel H. Ford, Jordan D. E. Southen, Vanessa L. G. Ford, Angela M. Ford, and Wesley J. Ford. To you I would say, "I am part of you, and will walk with you during both the good and bad times of your lives!"

     When I was young, I did not know, as the second girl to come along, that I even wanted sisters - until there were four of us - and no boys! I am grateful that my parents, Stacey Ferguson and Olive (Burton) decided to farm, and raise us on the Egremont Road in Warwick Township. I have many memories of growing up together with my older sister Dorothy, and younger sisters Joyce and Carol. They all left this life before I did, but we are having our own "visitation" now, along with mom and dad! I am also grateful for all my dear friends, and cherished cousins, along with their children – I have always cared about my nieces and nephews as though they were my children as well!

     Finally, I am grateful to the other inhabitants of this world that we share our life with, and that made my life so much more joyous and fulfilled: our Clydesdale horses and many beloved dogs, and to the birds who have made homes in the many thousands of trees that Arnold and I planted together. (As Kahlil Gebran put it, "Trees are poems that the earth writes on the sky"). I also took a real joy in flowers, and in chocolate - "Oh, I can't, well, maybe just a little piece...maybe a wee bit more of that would be good...say, is there any of that chocolate left?" If you can come, I would love to see you at the Service in Celebration of my Life, which will be held this Friday, July 26, 2019, at 2:00 pm at Forest United Church in Forest, Ontario. To honour my life, I would ask that you consider planting a tree, shrub, or favourite flower, or donate to Forest United Church, or to one of many worthy charities (as I did) that protects and empowers those most needy and vulnerable. God Bless you all!"  Online condolences may be left at www.forestfuneralhome.com  Funeral arrangements entrusted to DENNING'S OF FOREST