Mary Adeline Harrison Ford, 86, passed away on December 29, 2023, in West Lafayette.
Born October 21, 1937, in Clinton, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Ethel Pauline Wallace and Collett Koonce Harrison. She attended Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, where she excelled academically and was active in Marion County 4-H. Mary was the first in her family to go to college and enrolled at Purdue University. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She earned her BS in Home Economics Vocational Education in 1959, and her MS in Textile Science in 1961. Her master’s thesis investigated the effects of chlorine on nylon fibers.
On May 31, 1959, Mary participated in Purdue’s commencement ceremony in the morning and later that afternoon she married Frederick Ross Ford in Indianapolis. They shared 62 years of marriage and a life committed to family and friends, Purdue University, and serving the Greater Lafayette community. Fred preceded Mary in death (September 3, 2021).
Mary forged lifelong friendships with neighbors who raised families together and referred to themselves as “The Group”. She was connected with many of her Alpha Chi Omega sisters and mentored countless pledge classes. She served on the national board of directors, as National Vice President, and as chairwoman of the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. She was dedicated to supporting regional and national chapter development. Today the Mary Harrison Ford Grant for Volunteer Leadership Training ensures that her legacy as a servant-leader and dedication to leadership support will continue. She was a passionate advocate for women’s education, reproductive rights, childcare and equality. She created a large extended family by hosting foreign exchange students, Purdue students who needed housing and support, and lots of additional kids growing up considering her as a second and cherished mom.
Mary was an active Purdue alumna, particularly with the School of Consumer and Family Sciences. In recognition of her engagement, a popular meeting room in Stone Hall was named the Mary Ford Conference Room. Mary served as President of the Purdue Women’s Club and was on President Martin Jischke’s President’s Council. Mary and Fred teamed up to organize the fundraising and construction of the Classes of 1958 and 1959’s Gateway of the Future arch on the Purdue campus. In 1998, Purdue honored Fred and Mary with the Order of the Griffin, in recognition of their lasting contributions to the University. In October 2004, the Fred and Mary Ford Dining Court was dedicated and remains a favorite among Purdue students. On one of her last trips abroad to Egypt with PU Alumni tours, she marveled at how she and her husband, “two kids from small town Indiana, had traveled to see the Pyramids!”
Mary served on the board of Girl Scouts USA, and remained active in 4-H. She was a member of the CW chapter of PEO. Mary played a significant role in establishing the Museum at Prophetstown in Tippecanoe County, and she served on its board of directors. Mary was an active member of Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette and served as a Stephen Minister providing care and counsel to people experiencing challenges.
In retirement, Mary enjoyed time with family and friends, travel, philanthropy, taking art classes at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, and spending time with Fred at their cottage on Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana and in Everglades City, FL.
Mary loved being a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her three children and five grandchildren: Lynne Elizabeth Ford (Frank Dirks; children Grace and Samuel Ford-Dirks) Charleston, SC, Steven Harrison Ford (Ron Rumford) Philadelphia, PA, Katherine Jeannette Ford Maye (children Jack, Alexander, Claire Maye) Sterling, VA.
Mary spent her final two years of life in the Westminster Village Courtyard Health Center. The family would like to express special thanks to all of the wonderful staff, friends and extended family who provided loving care.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service is planned for April 13, 2024 at 2:00pm at Central Presbyterian Church (31 N 7th St, Lafayette). A reception will follow in the Large Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Mary’s name to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation (PO Box 6547, department 291, Indianapolis, IN 46206).
Share memories and condolences at www.hippensteelfuenralservice.com
Posted online on December 30, 2023
Published in Journal & Courier
