Eleanor Jean (Edwards) Ford

Rest In Peace Eleanor Ford, 1930-2020.

Mom would have been 90 in less than two weeks (on the 19th of this month), but she suffered a devastating aneurism and left us on Monday, January 6, 2020.

A child of the Great Depression, she was born in Terre Haute, the daughter of John Edwards, a coal miner from Northumberland, England, and Wilhelmina (MacLennan) Edwards, of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada, on January 19, 1930. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Indiana State Teachers College, now Indiana State University, in 1951.

Eleanor was a witty, practical, intelligent, musical, artistic, thoughtful, somewhat introverted and soft-spoken, loyal, dedicated and hardworking lady with strong principles. In grade school she spent a semester in Nova Scotia, and upon returning it was found that she learned so much that she was skipped a grade level ahead. But she was never one to boast of her achievements. She had a simple elegance in the way that she unpretentiously carried herself. She interacted easily with people from all walks of life and social strata, but was happiest sitting in a comfortable chair in a quiet room with a cup of tea and her cat, Thomas, on her lap.

We’ve all had great visits with Mom and Dad in the last couple weeks, sharing “love you” parting hugs as we said goodbye, not knowing that these would be our last. That’s the way we will remember her. Actually, there are a multitude of very positive ways we will always remember her—many, many happy memories. She truly was a strong, unique, loving, and special lady whose wry sense of humor reflected her intellect and love of language.

Many deep thanks to our wonderful siblings and spouses for their excellent and thoughtful care of her up to this point, especially in the last day and a half. She always made it a point to say that she was very proud of all of us and of our mutual support of each other. Of course, we are all extremely proud of her. Judging by the end result, she raised us well.

Mom and Dad met on a blind date on April Fool’s Day 1949 and were subsequently married, celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on December 17, 2019. Dad’s life, when not focused on the business of radio, revolved around her. We cannot imagine how he will adjust to the paradigm shift of losing his life companion—this will be very difficult for him as it will be for all of us.

Again, Eleanor Ford, Rest In Peace. We are assuaged that you are no longer suffering, and that your transition was not painfully protracted. We will all miss you, but will never forget all that you have selflessly done for all of us and Dad.
Love you.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, John and Wilhelmina Edwards, sisters Rosalee and Florence, and a granddaughter, Eleanor Elizabeth Ford. She is survived by her husband, Paul, their children Doug (Debra), Margaret, Mark (Beth), Amy (Mike), John (Tracy) and Pete (Shannon); grandchildren Amy Ford Wright (Danny), David Joseph Bridgewater (Lisa), Daniel Bridgewater (Dawn), Carey Ford Compton (Robert), Lucas Ford, Julia Ford, Evan Amies, Kirstin Amies (Logan Davis), Sarah Ford, Colin Ford; great grandchildren Brittany Bridgewater, Sarah Bridgewater, Olivia Wright, Owen Wright, Hallie Bridgewater, and Mason Bridgewater; and great-great-grandchild Ariah Frank.

Visitation will be Monday, January 13, from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm. at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN

Graveside services will be private.

We are deeply thankful for the care our mother and family received from the staff at Hospice of the Wabash Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local hospice organization.

Online condolences can be left at:   www.fitzpatrickfunerals.com