FORD: Dulcie Mary Naomi
July 12, 1919 鈥� February 8, 2017
Dulcie Mary Naomi (nee Smith) Ford gently left this world surrounded by the love of her children on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. Born July 12, 1919, in Regina, SK, to Rose and James Smith, and raised on a farm near Naicam, Dulcie embraced the beauty and gifts of the prairie she loved. With gracious courage and fortitude she met the challenges of livingin an era of scarcity and hardship, always giving more than she received. Her intelligence, compassion, intuition and perseverance were complemented by her unique sense of humor and perfectly timed wit. Left with cherished and colourful memories are her children, whom she kept close to her heart:聽 Ronald (Dianne) Ford, Doreen (Glenn) Stumborg, Kathleen (Robert) Greene, Collin (Darlene) Ford, Dulcie (John) Kirzinger, Janice (Richard Matchett) Ford, and former daughter-in-law Carol (Gordon) McLaren. 聽Mum lived a rich life and involved herself with many passions - gardening, nursing, music, serving,dancing, reading, letter writing, learning, knitting and baking -the fruits of it all were given to others.聽 She added beauty to her life with flowers, bird feeders, poetry and fine china.聽 Nevertheless, Mum would say her greatest treasure was our Dad. She married Ernest Ford in 1947 after a long courtship. They forged a life of faith, diligence, frugality and connection enriched by their love of travel, music, theatre and the arts. Their lives had a powerful influence on their community and the generations that follow them. Mum had a loving interest in her grandchildren鈥檚 activities and goals. She enjoyed their accomplishments and carried the weight of their struggles. They were never far from her mind or her heart. Anyone leaving the farm would do so bearing their favorite treat - an apple crisp, tea cakes or a pan of brownies. 鈥淕rannie鈥� will be lovingly remembered by Jennie, Heidi, Andrew and David Ford, Kali and Clay Gordon, Lana, Kevin, Daniel, Paul and Robert Stumborg, Noah Kelleher, Naomi (Overvoorde), Cara and Michael Greene, Erica Moore, Harris and Simon Ford, Jonathan, Grant, Matthew and Stephen Kirzinger, Luke and James Ford-Matchett and their spouses and partners. Mum also delighted in her 16 great-grandchildren and lovingly anticipated and celebrated each birth. Dulcie鈥檚 career was a fulfilling part of her life. Hard work and fierce determination led her to qualify to enter nursing school during WWII. Graduating in 1944, she remained a proud and participating member of the St. Paul鈥檚 Hospital School of Nursing Alumni. She was an astute and compassionate nurse both professionally and personally. Stories of her work contained both pathos and humor and she valued her professional relationships and former patients long after she retired. Many a neighbor, friend and family member benefited from her expertise; her compassion for those in need knew no bounds. Forever dedicated to health and science, she bequeathed her body to be used for the advancement of medical education. Dulcie was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Ernest Ford; parents Rose and James Smith; and siblings Leonard (Ruth), Doreen (Herbert), Joseph (Joyce); and Donald. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge in Watson, SK, to Dr. R. Ockbazghi and to Rev. Brenda Curtis for their exemplary care, compassion and many acts of kindness. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. at Westminster United Church, Humboldt SK. To honor Dulcie鈥檚 life, if friends so desire, memorial donations to Plan Canada, Gifts of Hope to support Maternal/Newborn Health or to Westminster United Church are welcomed and appreciated.聽 Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
