JEAN FORD

1947 - 2019

JEAN FORD obituary, 1947-2019, San Francisco, Ca.

JEAN FORD Obituary

FORD JEAN ANN FORD On Thursday, January 17, 2019, the world lost a bright star. Jean Ann Ford, 71, passed away unexpectedly from complications related to cancer. She died surrounded by her family. Jean was best known for being the co-founder, along with her sister Jane, of Benefit Cosmetics. In 1976 Jean and Jane opened a small makeup store in San Francisco called the Face Place. Her motto was "always be ready" and that, coupled with her unmatched levels of courage, bravado and daring, turned that one store into the global cosmetics giant, Benefit Cosmetics. She set the unique creative tone for the brand and was known in the beauty industry as a marketing wizard. In 1999 Jean and Jane formed a strategic partnership with Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy to grow their fledgling brand to the worldwide success it is today. Jean received the coveted Cosmetic Executive Women Achiever Award in 2005, and she is credited with being the creator of some of the most notable products in the beauty industry. In 1995 Jean coined the term, "Laughter is the Best Cosmetic" which fast became Benefit's brand motto. In doing so she created a fundamental shift in the industry, believing deeply that when a woman is smiling and laughing, that is when she is her most beautiful. With that simple phrase, Jean bettered the lives of millions of women around the world. She is survived by her identical twin sister Jane Ann Ford-Petrin and husband Chris Petrin; daughter Maggie Ford Danielson and husband Jason Scott; daughter Ann Ford Danielson and husband Kyle Miller; brothers Lee R Ford III and Brad Ford; grandchildren Ruby Scott, Violet Scott, James Miller and Dusty Miller; ex-husband Carl Danielson and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her loving dog Indy. Born on August 7, 1947 in Indianapolis, Jean grew up with her sister Jane and brothers Lee R Ford III and Bradly Ford on a farm in Northern Indianapolis. Jean attended North Central High School and then went on to Indiana University, BA '69, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and majored in Art Education. After graduating she and her sister Jane decided to move west and made their way to San Francisco. Aside from beauty, Jean also had a passion for education. In her 20's she created a mobile art class out of a VW van and drove around teaching art to under privileged children in San Francisco. She was a major benefactor of the IU Foundation and created the "Average to Awesome" scholarship at the IU School of Education. Her focus was always on the core of education... the teachers. "To teach is to anchor the world with bright purpose."- Jean Ford. In the Bay Area, she was a major donor to Girl's Inc Alameda chapter and enjoyed reading stories to her granddaughter's pre-school class. Gratitude and harmony established the core of her work after Benefit. Jean's love for community, family, and friends was seen in everything she did, from spending time and supporting those in need to watching her four grandchildren play in her backyard. They were her "joysters" and she was their "Mimi". Jean spent much of her time with them, her goofy black golden doodle Indy, traveling, golfing, fishing in Cabo and taking care of her roses and much beloved birch trees. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend. She was also a visionary and her contribution to the world of Benefit Cosmetics, has changed the lives of so many. In the words of Peter Born, Editor at Large, Beauty, Women's Wear Daily, "Benefit is a community forged out of a deep understanding of the human condition" To that end, to those whose lives have been touched by Jean please join us at Grace Cathedral on Friday March 29, 2019 1100 California Street, San Francisco CA 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please direct any gifts to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Memory of Jean Ford. PO Box 4486 Houston, TX 77210 or at www.mdanderson.org/gifts

Published by The Washington Post on Mar. 3, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for JEAN FORD

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Happened to see a story this morning on a new Bronzer by Benefit thats all the rage in Australia. Though of you. Your legacy lives on.

James Gulley

Acquaintance

February 21, 2020

Happy memories of camping with Jean in the early 70's in Brown County where we got sited for illegal swimming :) Always with a great smile and infectious laugh. She is missed.

Steven Ruddell

May 31, 2019

Happy days fondly remembered

David Bardelli

March 6, 2019

I was best man for Carl's wedding to Jean in the late 70's. Jean, Jane, Carl, and I were young and eager to make our way in this exciting City and business world. The story of the Twins' success with Benefit is a fairy tale come true. The storefronts, kiosks, experiments, and skepticism they overcame was admirable. I once received a call from Jean asking my help in phoenetically spelling and pronouncing Baltimore as a native would, as in Ballmer, so that it could be used in a new lipstick color, Ballmer Brown or something to that effect. Years later I joined Jean, Carl and their girls for a couple of weekends in Maine. They really wanted my Golden Retriever, GoldaMyEar, for their daughters to enjoy on the beach, but had to include me to bring her. And so now we've come full circle Jean. You've left behind wonderful living legacies and your mark in the world. Not bad for a girl who was messing around with some cosmetics! I've become the poster boy for Agent Orange so imagine I'll be seeing you soon. Le Central for lunch?

James Gulley

March 5, 2019

My condolences to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you be strengthened with all power, so that you may fully endure with patience and joy.

March 4, 2019

The "Ford Twins" shared a great part in my decision to pledge Kappa Alpha Theta at IU. Jean will be missed. Such creativity and beauty, such business acumen and brilliance, and so much fun! Loved living in the house with both of them. And... yes, I could tell them apart! Jean added value to everything she touched.

Jill Hampton Beckstedt

March 3, 2019

I am sorry to learn of Jean`s death. Please accept my condolences. I went through twelve years of school with Jean and Jane, and they were always the tallest girls in class. Here is a photo of my first grade class, and I believe Jean is in the middle of the back row although it might be Jane. I am in the first row, fourth from the right.

Bill Glass

March 3, 2019

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Jean Ford. I had the pleasure of meeting Jean and Jane with my identical twin sister at Face Place almost 40 yrs. ago. I will never forget the fun times we had with your makeup and talking about growing up as identical twins! We all shared the same birthday too! May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Doris Rozzi DeSantis

March 3, 2019

My sincere condolences for your loss. As you endure this difficult time of sorrow, please turn to the Most High God for comfort as his word assures us at Jeremiah 29:12,13 "you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

March 2, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. God understands your loss and he will listen to your prayers. Jeremiah 29:12

Louise

February 28, 2019

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Annie Horne

February 28, 2019

Please accept my condolences although you don't know me It's been over 40 yrs I forever have Jean and Jane in my heart. For they let me and my other high school friends "play" with makeup at the Face Place. We would on many occasions walk down from ICA and spend time there playing with makeup, skincare and also purchase special items. Thank you for never making me feel like a burden and allowing us to exploring the new items, after all we were high school girls with limited finances. It was fun and exciting to see so many cool items that weren't found elsewhere and you allowed us to enjoy! I always left with something. My favorites, had many, but the rose tone water, blue mascara and my potted loose powder eye shadow called Razzle Dazzle were my favorite. (I still have it). Thank you for laughing, sharing and the memories. You gals inspired me to embrace cosmetics in a fun, sassy and classy way. Jean may you Razzle and Dazzle on your next journey!

Norma Padilla

February 27, 2019

I'm extending my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jean Ann Ford,may all of you find peace in knowing that God cares for you and your family and will help you during this time of deep sorrow. Hosea 13:14.
VN

February 27, 2019

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