Yvonne Ford

PORTLAND — Yvonne Gray Ford, 95, died peacefully in her sleep at home following a brief illness.

Yvonne grew up in the small town of Groveton, N.H., and during WW II, married the love of her life, Fred Rodney Ford, of Guildhall, Vt. during his tour of duty in the U.S. Navy. They spent 62 wonderful years together raising four children and enjoying a lifetime of experiences and explorations. She was a loving mother who always put her family first, and throughout the years taught them values of life, love of family and friends, and respect for all.

The family lived in Virginia, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, finally settling in Brewer in 1961. She was a volunteer at a school for the disabled children, designed dance costumes, was a Brownie Scout and Cub Scout den leader, volunteered in the schools, and never missed the athletic events of her children, always cheering them on. She sang in the choir of the United Methodist Church. Family winter vacations at Saddleback were highlighted by the breaking and eating of her skillfully designed gingerbread houses, skiing and much laughter. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor were among her favorite places to camp, hike, picnic, and enjoy the beauty of nature. She and her husband traveled extensively both internationally and nationally, exposing their children to many wonders of this country.

Most of all she enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at Cape Cod, Mass., Sebec Lake, on “Top of the Hill” in Raymond, as well as exploring the southern country of Louisiana and Texas. Other highlights of her retirement years were spending winters in Gulf Shores, Ala. where she and her husband made many long-lasting friendships, and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Australia and New Zealand, where at 74 she snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef.

Beloved wife of the late Fred R. Ford of Brewer, Yvonne was the devoted mother of Janis Swain of Medfield, Mass., Darlene McCall of Raymond, Rodney Ford of Uxbridge, Mass. and Randall Ford of Falmouth; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Morrison Center (building a brighter future for people with disabilities) at www.morrison-ME.org or 60 Chamberlain Rd., PO Box 1539, Scarborough, ME 04070-1539