Lillian W. Ford, 101; Longtime New Canaan Resident

Lillian W. Ford, a longtime resident of New Canaan passed on April 11. 2014 at the age of 101.

She, along with her husband Curry Ford, (d.2005) moved to Parish Road, New Canaan in 1957, and lived there until they moved to Meadow Ridge, Danbury in 2004. 

Lillian was born in Pendleton, Indiana in 1912, attended public schools and was valedictorian of her senior class. She earned a BS from Purdue University in 1934 majoring in chemistry and bacteriology. She was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. In addition to several scholastic honors including Mortar Board, Gold Peppers and others, she was the first co-ed executive of the Purdue Student Union. After graduation she worked as a serologist at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati and later at Cleveland Clinic. She and Curry, who she met at Purdue, were married in 1935 at Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Before moving to New Canaan with Curry and their three children, she lived in Lakewood and Bay Village, Ohio where she was Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader and President of the Bay PTA. In New Canaan she was on the YMCA Board of Directors, High School Parents Council, the Women’s Club and an active member of the Methodist Church. Lillian had a passion for reading and duplicate bridge. 

She is survived by her three children Bob, Bill and Barbara Ford Gillett; eight grandchildren Darin and Stephan Ford, Deanna Ford Hargraves, Curry Ford II, Darwin, Thomas, Timothy and Mary Gillett, and eight great-grandchildren. 

A family graveside service is planned at Lakeview Cemetery on Thursday April 17. 

Arrangements are by the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan.