Assunda "Sue" Ford

UTICA - Assunda "Sue" (George) Ford, 92, of West St., Utica, NY, peacefully passed on into God's arms on Sunday, January 21, 2024, after living a full and perfect life.

Sue was born on June 27, 1931, in Rome, NY, the daughter of the late Pangrazio and Margaret (Pape) George (Giorgi). She was a 1947 graduate of Rome Free Academy and 1974 graduate of Utica College.

In 1949 while working at Eddie's Paramount Diner in Rome, she met the love of her life. A block away from the diner John C. Ford owned and operated a bar called the Greengate Café and John would frequent the diner for coffee and pie when a waitress caught his eye. They began dating and Sue would bring her friends to the Greengate for free drinks. One day in the diner, John timidly said to Sue, "If I thought you'd say yes, I'd ask you to marry me." Sue responded, "Ask me! Ask me!" On October 25, 1952, they were married and had been devoted to each other from that day for 62 years until John's passing on September 4, 2014.

She and John went on to have 6 kids. To say Sue was a Supermom and Superwife is an understatement. Sue always put family first and took on many rolls beyond mother and wife: Chef extraordinaire: specializing Mac & cheese, pepperoni stew and "Toodles & Nunafish;" Seamstress: making dresses and costumes with her Singer Sewing machine; Architect: designing half of their house and the garage that John built; Politician: PTA president and running for school board president; Personal Shopper: she was a well-known shopper throughout the USA and was a personal shopper for everyone she knew; Handywoman: there was nothing Sue couldn't fix or make better; Party Planner: orchestrating hundreds of birthdays, baptisms, communions, showers and graduation parties for her family, and mastering the art of planning and executing years of holiday meals. Sue always made Christmas mornings an unbelievable and memorable extravaganza for her family, who are overwhelmed with appreciation for her lifetime of hard work in organizing family gatherings. Sue also took on many community roles including PTA, Den mother and Brownie leader.

One of Sue's most notable accomplishments was going to college full-time to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, all while having 6 young kids at home. With all that Sue still made sure dinner was on the table at 5:30. Her degree took her through a career path of working at DMV, Social Services and finally her dream job of Oneida County Probation Officer where she remained until her retirement at age 78.

Sue was also an avid lover of animals, especially cats. Any cat that wandered into her yard was brought to the veterinarian, fixed and released, and enjoyed a pampered life of living in the heated shed she provided for them in her backyard.

A few other things that Sue loved: Tom Jones, American Eagle motif, tchotchkes, and credit cards.

Of all the aunts, uncles and our West St. neighborhood parents, Sue was the last of them all, (If you knew Sue, you'd know that was by design.) marking the end of an era of a generation. Our mom was a strong woman who lived life on her own terms, with much conviction and with loving generosity toward anyone who needed it, whether it be family, friends or strangers. Sue was also a fierce mama bear and was a force to be reckoned with: no principal, teacher, nun, store manager, unruly neighbor or corporate CEO was safe from her wrath if she felt anyone wronged her, her extended family, friends, and sometimes even strangers.

As Sue joins John in Heaven, she is survived by her children and their spouses: Dr. Sue Ford of NYC, J. Mark and Echo Ford of Utica, Peggy and Robert Lounsbury of Saratoga Springs, Gary Ford of Marcy, Keith Ford and Dr. Michael Nee of Pittsburgh, PA and Nancy L. Ford of Utica; her grandchildren, Dr. Jenny Lounsbury, Diana, Allan and Jamie Lounsbury, Stephanie Burchell, Jessica Banach, Julia Ford, and Johnnie Ford; as well as 7 great grandchildren and her other extended family which includes many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses: Vincent and Winifred George, Linda and Whitey Lagrotteria, Rose Maio Collier and Dominick Maio, Katherine and Leonard Cecilia, Tony and Mary Romano; in-laws Agnes Ford, George and Florence Ford, Elizabeth and Harold Greer; her niece/Goddaughter Geri and Bob Mortis. She was also predeceased by her furry constant companions over the years; Waldo, Elsie, Annie, Senshi, Storm, Oliver, Olivia, Su-Su, Mutley, Chrystal, TC, Keisha, Bear, Bo-Bo and her special outside friend, Tom Jones.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Sue's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Committal prayers and interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

The Ford family would like to extend deep gratitude for the staff at Sitrin Healthcare and to CareGivers Home Care for their compassion and care of our mother. We also hold in our hearts Mom's longtime caregiver and friend, Jackie Dow who went above and beyond for our mother.

Memorial contributions may be made to Spring Farm Cares Sanctuary, 3364 NY-12, Clinton, NY 13323. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

There are scores of stories of Sue's generosity toward family, friends and strangers. The family suggests honoring Sue's life by extending a random act of kindness.

We have no doubt that Sue's first words when she passed those pearly gates in Heaven were, "WAKE UP JOHN!"

The obituary was lovingly written by Sue's family.

Fond memories and messages of encouragement may be shared at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com