HUDSON -- Janet L. Ford passed away Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the age of 91. Janet was a caring and generous wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was dearly loved and will be missed.
Janet was born in California to Cyril "Al" and Helen Lofgren. After Janet was born, the family moved to Royal Oak, Michigan.
After graduating from Royal Oak High School, Janet attended the University of Michigan where she completed her bachelor's degree in education. At the university, Janet met Donald R. Ford, whom she married in 1955. Janet and Don settled in Don's hometown of Warren. While raising their four children, Janet earned a master's degree in guidance and counseling at Youngstown State University, and she later earned a degree as an educational specialist at Kent State University. Over the years, Janet worked as an elementary school teacher, a guidance counselor, a claims examiner at the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services and as an outpatient therapist. Janet and Don were married for 59 years until Donald's death in 2014. Janet was a member of the Central Christian Church in Warren.
"Her house was always open to kids. She didn't mind spills on the rug, handprints on the walls, kids yelling, mud on the floor, disorderly pets, trumpets blasting, toys strewn about, papers piled up, rock music blaring, tearful eruptions, soccer balls bounced against the living room wall, or kids banging on the piano."
"Mimi always made us grandchildren feel special not just on birthdays and holidays but by turning every normal day into an adventure with food, games, crafts, and music."
"'Mimi' as everyone called her, would do anything for anyone to make them feel welcome. She always went the extra mile for family, friends and even strangers."
"Mimi always had a smile on her face. It took a lot to get her frustrated. She had the biggest heart on the planet and would always make you feel like you were the most important person to her with every interaction."
"She didn't like cooking, but she cooked all the time."
"Funny, witty, and often ironic, Janet's humorous comments could stick with you for hours and even days and years."
"She made each of her grandkids feel like the center of the world."
"She used humor to help us understand that humans are flawed, and she was a master of the well-timed eye-roll and the skeptical frown."
"Her humor was stimulated by the hidden forces underlying things, overarching truths and the unconscious motivations that drive human behavior."
"She was uninterested in pursuits that were 'just not necessary.'"
"Her smile filled the room, which, given the other personalities in the room, should say it all. Her genuine, sweet, often innocent but never unknowing, spirit will live on through those she loved most."
"She was selfless and always had time to listen to you. As a grandchild, visiting her was always fun! She made sure we were loved and had all we ever needed. I will remember her smile and voice as we walked into the house."
Janet was preceded in death by her husband; and by one of their sons.
Janet is survived by three children and their spouses; her deceased son's widow; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her brother, his wife and their three children; and several cousins.
Janet will have a private funeral for family members.
Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.