Dorothy Cook Ford
November 11, 1925 – August 10, 2020
Dorothy Cook Ford, 94, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2020, in Alexandria, VA with family at her side.
Born in 1925 in Dubois, PA to Henry and Martha (Hoffman) Cook, Dorothy (“Dot”) grew up happily in the family’s Dubois home with her parents and brothers, Dick and Jim Cook. Dot attended St. Catherine’s High School in Dubois, where she began dating her classmate and next-door neighbor, Neal Ford, Jr. (“Nick”).
After high school, Dot continued her education at DuBois Business College before moving to Washington, DC, where she worked as a Secretary for the U.S. Department of Justice. After high school, Nick enlisted in the Army, served in World War II, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Following his return from the war, the two married at St. Catherine’s Church in Dubois, before settling in Silver Spring, MD, where they raised their four children. Dot lovingly cared for her family, with nurturing, sound advice, and in the Catholic faith. After raising their children, she returned to work at the National Institutes of Health as a Contract Specialist until her retirement. During retirement, Nick and Dot enjoyed traveling and doting on their grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Dot made friends easily. She was wise, thoughtful, spirited, and kind to all. She had a beautiful and ready smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and a contagious laugh. She also had a remarkable memory and shared stories, often dating back to her early childhood, remembering details about events, family, and friends that brought joy to many. She loved gardening, musicals, scrabble, reading, and visiting with family and friends.
Married for 53 years, Mrs. Ford was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Neal Ford, and grandson Christopher Ford. Left to cherish her memory are her four children: Gregory Ford (Joan), Ann Ford (Anthony Scialli), Neal Ford, III (Roxanne Flores), and Anthony Ford (Rebecca); four grandchildren, a great-grandaughter, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Ford will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with her husband following a Memorial Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to So Others Might Eat:
SOME
71 O Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
https://www.some.org
