Marie Ledford

1934 - 2025

Marie Ledford
04/04/1934 - 09/30/2025
April 4, 1934 - September 30, 2025
Marie Pasquarello Ledford was called home peacefully to be with the Lord on September 30, 2025, at the age of 91 1/2. Marie's faith was constant and radiant throughout her life. No matter her circumstances, even while facing serious health challenges, her response to "How are you?" was always, "I'm blessed," or, when speaking of her family, "We are blessed."
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 4, 1934, to the late Dominic Joseph and Antoinette Teresa Pasquarello, Marie grew up with a joyful spirit and a deep sense of gratitude that would define her life.
While spending time at the beach in Cape May, New Jersey, she met the love of her life, the late Mike Ledford, who was then a lifeguard. Their love story blossomed into a beautiful marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and the birth of their only child, Mina. The three of them-Mike, Marie, and Mina-shared an extraordinarily close bond, a family rooted in love and joyful togetherness.
Marie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, where she was an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, served on the Panhellenic Council, and cheered proudly for her school for two years. She went on to receive her Master's degree in Education from Goucher College in Baltimore.
Her career as an educator was one of her greatest joys. She first taught in the public schools of Baltimore and Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, before moving to Houston, where she taught kindergarten at Whidby Elementary for more than 25 years. There, she formed lifelong friendships with her beloved "Whidby Girls," especially Charlotte and May, who survive her and continued to bring light into her later years.
Marie was known for her joyful spirit and her love for celebration. Her annual Halloween and Christmas parties were festive and cherished by family and friends-traditions that will be deeply missed. She also treasured time spent with loved ones at the family's weekend house on Bastrop Bayou, where many wonderful memories were made.
After retirement, Marie found happiness in the simple moments of life-gardening, attending church on Sundays, reading, caring for her dog, and staying active in her West U Seniors Early Risers class, which she continued until earlier this year. She also never turned down an opportunity to walk the Rice University trail. Her greatest joy, though, came from her family-especially her daughter Mina, son-in-law Will, and her grandchildren, with whom she shared laughter, joy, and unconditional love.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Becky Day and to the compassionate caregivers at Home Instead-especially Cathy, Wendon, Dora, and Flora-who loved and cared for Marie as if she were their own family.
Marie was preceded in death, and is now reunited with, her husband, Mike Ledford-whom she lovingly cared for during the last ten years of his life, a testament to her boundless compassion and strength; her parents, Dominic and Antoinette Pasquarello; her great-grandchild, Ryder Michael Jaco; Will's brother, John Jaco; her sister-in-law, Jane Voulgaris (Jim); her brother-in-law Joe Studhalter; her nephew, Jimmy Voulgaris; and her niece, Terry Pitrie.
She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Mina Jaco, and son-in-law, Will Jaco; her cherished grandchildren, Reid Jaco (Molly), Kent Jaco (fiancée Allie Ying), and Bret Jaco (Elise); her sister-in-law, Katherine Studhalter; and her nephews and niece, Mike Luckenbill, Bruce Williams, Dennis Voulgaris, and Sandy Janssen.
Marie will be remembered for her faith, her gratitude, her generosity, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. Her family already misses her deeply but finds comfort knowing she is at peace, reunited with loved ones, and forever embraced by the love of God.
A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Marie's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 27, at St. Vincent de Paul Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, 6800 Buffalo Speedway. Immediately following, all are invited to a reception to be announced at the service.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Marie's joyful spirit by donating to your favorite charity-and perhaps enjoying a margarita in her memory.