Elizabeth "Betsy" Ford

Elizabeth Sargent Ford (Betsy) died May 24, 2025 at the age of 101. She was born March 20, 1924, the daughter of Margaret Alling Sargent and Dwight Swett Sargent. Betsy grew up in Hastings-On-Hudson, New York. She graduated from Hastings-on-Hudson High School in 1942. She graduated from Smith College class of 1946 and went on to earn her degree in Occupational therapy from Columbia University in 1948.

Betsy served as an Occupational therapist in the Women's Medical Specialists Corp of the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1951 with the rank of second Lieutenant. She met and married Dr. Charles Douglass Ford in 1950, while both were serving in the army. They raised six children, during which time, Betsy was active in volunteer work for various organizations, which meant a lot to her. She was generous with her time and strove to make a positive impact on her community. She served in many capacities,s including leadership roles.

Betsy served as the President of the Auxiliary to the Academy of Medicine, Secretary on the board of Planned Parenthood, President of Mobile Meals of Toledo (she also delivered meals for 41 years). She served on the board and later as President of the First Unitarian Church of Toledo. Betsy was also an artist, talented with both watercolor and pastel mediums. She was a member of The Athena Art Society, as well as The Toledo Artists Club and The Toledo Women’s Art League, serving as President of both organizations. Betsy enjoyed playing tennis and was a lifelong bridge player. She was a firm believer that the more things you knew how to do, the more fun life could be. She enjoyed people, bringing people together, and helping others. She espoused the following life lessons:

 Do your best and don't worry about the times you fell short.

 To feel good about yourself, do something for someone else

 Try not to repeat your mistakes

 Exercise at something you enjoy, and you'll live longer (if your genes cooperate!)

 To smile and laugh often as you can

 A glass of red wine, I also recommend for a long life.

Betsy was predeceased by her husband, Dr. C. Douglass Ford, in 1986, her only brother, David Sargent, in 2000, and her eldest son, Chuck Ford, in 2022. Betsy is survived by her son Peter Ford and wife Roberta; daughters Margaret Ford, Sue Berger, Marion Jaeck and husband Mike, Patti Jimison and husband Todd; nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children. to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because I have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held June 12 at the First Unitarian Church of Toledo, 3205 Glendale Ave, Toledo, Ohio. Open house 11-12 pm; service 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to: