Nora Mae Hart Ford passed on April 16, peacefully surrounded by her family, joining her savior Jesus Christ and her husband, G.W., of 64 years.
Nora Mae Hart was born in Lauderdale County, Alabama to Joseph Henry and Minnie Myrtle (Austin) Hart on Feb. 25, 1927.
Nora, her parents, and siblings Melvin, Joe, and Virginia lived just outside of Florence, Alabama near the Central community where her parents had a general store, blacksmith shop, and a grist mill.
Nora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, G.W.; and brothers, Melvin Hart and Thomas Joe Hart.
Upon graduation from Central High School and Larimore Business College, Nora married the love of her life G.W. Ford on May 24, 1947. Soon thereafter, Nora and G.W. moved to the village of White Pigeon, Michigan for job opportunities.
Nora and G.W. had a long and happy life together for many years in White Pigeon where they raised their two children, Lynda and Mike. Nora initially worked in the accounting department of the Kirsch Company then served as branch manager for Michigan National Bank and Sturgis Saving & Loan collectively for over 30 years.
Nora, as well as G.W., was an active supporter of the White Pigeon community where she served as a village trustee and vice-president and was a finance chairwoman at the White Pigeon United Methodist Church where she was a member since 1951. She was a board member and treasurer of the local Care Network food bank, was a life member of the Rotary Club, a member of the White Pigeon American Legion Post 138 Ladies Auxiliary, and served in other numerous community activities. Nora was a 1999 White Pigeon Citizen of the Year.
Nora was the last surviving member of the ‘Couples Club of White Pigeon,’ a group of community friends that shared time together celebrating holidays, dining out, boating trips, and vacationing with their families.
Nora’s family was always impressed with her endless energy, enthusiasm, and positive outlook. She was an exceptional listener and encouragement to many.
Nora and G.W. welcomed two Youth For Understanding exchange students into their home, Anna Vandirwee, of Belgium, and Alfonzo ‘Fonzie’ Olivari, of Chile. When three Glen Oaks Community College students needed housing, G.W. and Nora also opened their home to these students.
Nora is survived by children, Lynda Ford Appuhn (and husband, John) and Mike Ford; sister, Virginia White; granddog, Molly; the Cropsey family including godson Brett; Fonzie Olivari; nieces and nephews; and a village of close friends.
Nora will be dearly missed by family and friends.
The family extends sincere thanks to caregiver Nancy Triestram and Three Rivers Health Hospice.
Visitation will be at Farrand Funeral Home today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. followed by a celebration of life service on Wednesday, April 20, at 11 a.m. at the White Pigeon United Methodist Church, with burial at the White Pigeon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the White Pigeon United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 518, White Pigeon, MI 49099, or do an act of kindness for one another.
