Kathleen Ford

1935 - 2025

Kathleen Ford

Enfield, NH - Kathleen (Byrne) Ford, 90, of Enfield, New Hampshire, passed away on June 11, 2025, from complications related to an automobile accident.

She was born on February 25, 1935, in Winchester, New Hampshire, to William "Babe" Byrne and Cherolyn (Putnam) Byrne. Kathy graduated from Thayer High School with the Class of 1953 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in English from Granite State College in 1993-a reflection of her persistence and lifelong commitment to education and learning.

Kathy married the love of her life, Merle Ford from Danbury, NH, in 1957. They would have celebrated 68 years of marriage on July 6. Together, they built a close knit and loving family. She is survived by her husband Merle; her children Colleen Giambarresi, Keith Ford (Lisa Godfrey), Lynn StLouis, and Jeremy Ford; her cherished grandchildren: Jay Giambarresi, Nicole Ford Burley, Kathryn Ford (Joe Clement), Carley StLouis, Rebecca StLouis Patterson (Brody), Madelyn Ford Bradley (Nick), Josephine Ford, and Jillian Ford; and her great-grandson, Everett Ford Burley, who misses his Mimi.

She is also survived by her sister, Eileen Morse; sisters-in-law Pauline Gage and Marion Paight; and brother-in-law Phil Paight, along with many nieces and nephews.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents; her brothers James (Jimmy), Thomas (Tommy), and William (Billy) Byrne; and her granddaughter, Tessa StLouis.

Kathy was a longtime communicant of St. Helena's Parish in Enfield, where she was also an active volunteer. She was a supporter and volunteer of the Enfield Historical Society and could be found regularly filling the role of docent at the Enfield Center and Lockehaven schoolhouses. She also supported the Enfield Shaker Museum, where she demonstrated traditional crafts such as rug braiding and chair caning, helping preserve and share the region's rich cultural history. Kathy was recognized for over 30 years of involvement with 4-H where she encouraged and inspired young people with her knowledge, kind encouragement and guidance. Her years with the 4-H culminated with proudly serving as a judge for the New Hampshire 4-H Dress Review for many years.

Kathy was a lifelong seamstress and designed and created her own wedding dress. She was a gifted and generous dressmaker. Over the years, she lovingly created numerous wedding gowns, bridal party dresses, prom dresses, and other special occasion attire-many of which were gifted to the wearers, a true expression of her care, craftsmanship, and generosity.

In addition to keeping the family operation running smoothly, Kathy worked as a tailor at Rosey Jekes in Hanover for many years and later opened her own shop, Sew it Seams, in Enfield. She finally found her "later life" niche as a substitute teacher in the Mascoma and Lebanon School Districts. She is remembered by many students for her patience, encouragement, and gentle, but firm guidance.

In her "spare" time, Kathy was also a skilled and imaginative artist, known for her beautiful needlepoint work and hand-braided rugs. She also took great joy in tending her flower beds and she especially cherished her hybrid lilies, which she nurtured with care and pride year after year. She also spent countless hours researching her family genealogy and took great joy in sharing notes and new finds with her granddaughter Nicole. While her thirst for travel was never quite satisfied, she did take trips to many parts of the United States and especially cherished her trips to Italy and Ireland-highlighted by attending Mass in Ireland in the church where her grandfather was baptized.

Kathy will be remembered for her friendly nature and willingness to lend a hand whenever and wherever needed. She will be remembered by her family for being the best wife, mother and grandmother anyone could ask for. The family will miss her tremendously but will draw strength and guidance from her enduring example.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Kathy June 21, 2025 at St. Denis Church in Hanover, NH. She was interred in Oak Grove cemetery in Enfield, NH following the Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to the following:

Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield, NH 03748,

Friends of Dartmouth Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, Catholic Charities NH, 100 William Loeb Drive, Unit 3, Manchester, NH 03109.