Shrewsbury – Mary E. (Smith) Ford, 70, passed away June 5, 2020 at UMASS University Hospital in Worcester after 15 days in ICU following a lengthy illness. No Covid.
Born in 1949, Mary Ford was the last baby of the late Charles E. Smith, Sr. and Katherine M. (Flynn) Smith. Mary is survived by her only child and daughter, Jean Marie (Ford) Van Wie and her grandchildren, Jesse, Skye, and Holly Van Wie of Shrewsbury. She is also survived by her two remaining siblings, Katherine M. Dillon of Milford, MA and Charles E. Smith Jr. and his wife, Annette of Hopedale. She was predeceased by her siblings Margret A. Zona of Shrewsbury and James T. Smith of Milford.
Mary was well loved and considered almost an adopted mother/grandmother of sorts by many of the people around her during her lifetime. People continually walked in and out of her house. They were always welcomed. The children and grandchildren of her late sister, Peggy, were loved and cared for by Mary as well. She also leaves her beloved neighbors of 25 years, The Ferguson’s. She loved all of her family, friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews and all of their children, too.
She was a graduate of Milford High School in 1969 and chose motherhood and work over nursing school. It was unfortunate, since she would have been a wonderful pediatric nurse. She adored young people. She worked for many years in catering as a cook and truck driver. She was injured as an Assembler in automobile plant in 1978 and lived with chronic pain for over forty years.
Mary lived and worked in the Milford/Hopedale area for 45 years before moving to Shrewsbury, MA for the last 25 years to be closer to her grandchildren. Mary will forever be remembered for her outstanding will, wit, and charm. She lived a fulfilling life with the people she loved, spending most of her days surrounded by her many family members, close friends, and cherished cats. She will be remembered for her kind and loving heart, that many will never forget.
Mary loved Dunkin Donuts iced coffee and chai tea. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local cat and dog shelter. She loved dogs and cats and they loved her back.
Mary Ford’s burial will be Saturday, June 13th, 2020 at Hopedale Village Cemetery at 11am graveside. A Book of Memories to leave a special message for Mary’s family is available online at:
