In Loving Memory
Jean Rita Ford (née Marcischuk), born February 9, 1936, in Strathclair, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at North Shore Hospice following a stroke.
Jean was one of six children and spent her early years in Winnipeg, where she was raised by her mother, Anastasia “Nellie” Marcischuk. She shared a close bond with her siblings and formed lifelong friendships in those early years. She was predeceased by her siblings Eva, Ernie, Shirley, and Leonard, and is survived by her brother Robert.
As a young woman, Jean embraced life — helping with her younger siblings, playing softball, camping at Westhawk Lake with friends, and attending social gatherings. Known for her natural poise and charm, she also did some modeling in her youth. She had a strong sense of style and fashion and was always well put together.
In 1967, Jean married Ed Ford in Saskatoon. Together they raised three children—Susan, Doug, and Nancy—and in 1970 moved to West Vancouver, where Jean would make her home for the rest of her life. (After separating in 1975, Jean and Ed divorced in 1985.) In Vancouver, Jean established herself as a successful realtor, known not only for her professionalism but also for the genuine relationships she built—many of her clients became friends. She was an active member of Hollyburn Country Club, where she spent many hours playing tennis, squash, and bridge, forming a wide circle of cherished friendships.
In 1983, Jean met her life partner, Nigel Williams, on the tennis court at Hollyburn. Together, they shared an active and adventurous lifestyle—golfing, traveling, and spending many happy years skiing and enjoying the mountains in Whistler with friends, their children, and grandchildren. Nigel predeceased Jean in 2018 after 35 joyous years, and she carried his memory with her in the years that followed.
Jean was a strong and generous woman, often affectionately known as the “cool mom” by her children’s friends, as well as her nieces and nephews. She had a natural gift for conversation and connection—able to strike up a conversation with anyone and, before long, discover a shared story or mutual acquaintance. She was only ever a few degrees of separation from a friend, and she delighted in those connections.
Jean will be remembered for her warmth, her vibrant social spirit, and her deep devotion to family and friends. She had a remarkable ability to bring people together and make everyone feel welcome. Her life was rich in connection, joy, and generosity.
Jean will be lovingly remembered by her children, Susan, Doug (Alyson), and Nancy (Mark), and cherished by her four granddaughters, Hayley, Riley, Caitlin, and Chelsea, who brought her immense joy. She was always excited to see them and deeply interested in their lives and adventures. She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family who will miss her deeply.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hollyburn Country Club on May 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP to jfordestate@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s name to North Shore Hospice https://lghfoundation.com/tributes/jean-ford/ or the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://heartandstroke.crowdchange.ca/146748.
