Diane May Ford

Our sweet mother, Diane May Ford, sadly passed away after a very brief illness on July 16, 2023, at the age of 94. Diane was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on April 1st, 1929, to Whelan and Edna Schott Parsons.

Diane was 18 when she met Jack Ford, a handsome veteran of the Navy. In 1948, they began a beautiful 56-year marriage during which they were blessed with five children. In 1951, they made a big move from Canada to Lincoln Park, MI, where they raised their children. Sadly, Jack passed away in 2004.

Diane spent her last 26 years living in the Trenton Towers where she formed many friendships and, over the years, involved herself in several roles within that community. She truly enjoyed her years at ‘the Towers’.

Our mother loved to knit, go shopping (Dad said she had to ‘touch everything’ when in a department store) and she made delicious Cabbage Rolls. She never missed anyone’s birthday, was easy to laugh, and a friend to many. She always kept a neat and tidy house and if you wanted to tease her, all you had to do is say that you were coming over to mess it up.

Diane never missed a day talking to her youngest sister, Lynne Weeks, on the phone at 10 pm. She also looked forward to her daily calls from her granddaughter, Katie, with whom she had a special relationship.

Survivors include Diane’s children, Lynda (Will) Fleiner of Lakeville, Minnesota; Jacqueline (Jim) Bilsborrow of Coldwater, Michigan; Robert (Barbara) Ford of West Bloomfield, Michigan; Patricia (Rick) Razo of Coldwater, Michigan; and Kimberly (Mark) Wagensomer of Coldwater, Michigan; eleven grandchildren, Nicole (Paula) Temple; Jefferson (Valerie) Bilsborrow; J. Jackson (Beth) Bilsborrow; Joshua (Thuy) Bilsborrow; Jay Bilsborrow; Tracy (Michael) Frankfort; Kara (Michael) Dunn; Marisa (Eric) Stanislawski; Andrea (Brandon) Hammonds; Katie (Spencer) Praznik; Foster Wagensomer and girlfriend Marissa. Diane also was the proud great-grandmother to six great grandchildren; Maddox, Jacob, Logan, Benjamin, Jordyn, and Liam. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Whelan and Edna Schott Parsons, her siblings Ronald Parsons, Gloria Parsons, Patricia Brennan, and Thomas Parsons.

No visitation or funeral has been planned at this time.