Mary “Louise” Ford

MINOT – Mary “Louise” Ford, 80, of Minot, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023 at home, surrounded by her loving family. Louise was born in Lewiston on May 4, 1943, the daughter of Michael Richard Driscoll and Lena Monaghan Driscoll. She was raised and educated in the Lewiston/Auburn area.

She met and then married the love of her life, John Ford, Nov. 16, 1962. They lived in Minot most of their married life, raising two daughters, Debbie and Tina.

Together over 60 years, they were always a team, including working side-by-side running a successful dairy farm, the Ford-Harris Farm, with her brother-in-law Arthur Harris. Retiring in 2015, they built their retirement home in Minot, hosting many family gatherings and creating wonderful memories. She loved spending time with her family, especially with her four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Louise had many interests including snowmobiling, attending the kids’ sporting events, and riding on the motorcycle (Honda Gold Wing) with Johnny, having lots of fun. While farming, she was frequently seen on the tractor tedding hay. She was the matriarch of the family, instilling family values and always keeping the family close. She will be remembered for her love of Christmas, decorating and spoiling her family with gifts, as well as her cooking skills, especially her homemade pies. She was a sweet soul with a kind heart, having the ability to make everyone feel welcomed and feel like family.

She is survived by her husband John; her daughter Tina Love and husband Steve, son-in-law Jim Stevens; four grandchildren, Amanda Knights and husband Daniel, Katie Sturtevant and husband Tyler, Eric Stevens and wife Erica, and Austin Love; eight great grandchildren, Daphne, Maverick and Milo Knights; Sophia Sturtevant; and Evelyn, Emilia, Ellie Mae, and Ensley Stevens; sister, Joyce Leighton and husband Junior, brothers, Bruce Driscoll and wife Tina, Jim Driscoll and wife Sue; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her brother Michael “Richard” Driscoll; and her beloved daughter Debbie Stevens.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023 from 10 – 11 a.m. with an 11 a.m. service at Chandler Funeral Home, 26 W. Dwinal Street, Mechanic Falls, followed by a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery in West Minot with a celebration of life to follow immediately at the American Legion Hall in Mechanic Falls. Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com