Ann P. Ford

There’s no one to help you say goodbye and move on when your mother dies. No one to tell you to stand up, make the most of it, remember the good, get back to work, that’s life, we’re all born, we all die. It’s been said you don’t know loneliness until your parents are both gone, when you truly realize that your success, failure, and happiness is on you alone. Spouses, siblings, good friends all matter, so very much, especially now. But not a single one of them is Mom. Ann Piekenbrock Ford was born in Dubuque, IA, on July 26, 1929, to Frank and Helen Piekenbrock, and left this earth on January 27, 2018. In her last days, she was treated with love and care at Talbot Hospice, for which her family is humbly grateful. During her prolific lifetime she was many, many things. She built a family who remained close and clustered about her to the end. She was a devoted wife to Richard “Dick” Ford for 63 years, until he passed away in 2013. An involved mother and grandmother to the end, Mom continued to guide each of us with love and hope. Her five children, Mary, John (Peggy), Mike (Patricia), Thom (Leslie Passano), and Steve (Donna) all live in Talbot County, have supported and loved her as her health declined, and are the best of friends and family—a testament to her parenting and the degree with which she was loved. She was proud and blessed with many beautiful grandchildren, Ben Ford (Kate Livie), Whitney Ford (Bill Dalton), Alison Ford, Sara Johnson, Carter Ford, Matt Johnson, Emily Ford, and Molly Ford. Her sister, Mary Diederich, resides in Milwaukee, WI; her parents and brother, Bill Piekenbrock, preceded her in death. Kim Barham has been Ann’s dear friend and caregiver for many years and has become a beloved member of the family. Ann was a gifted artist and dedicated creator. She painted in oils and watercolor and leaves a legacy of beautiful paintings hung in homes throughout the area—friends, patrons and family. She was an enthusiastic teacher, and in the last decade taught painting classes at Talbot Senior Center, where she encouraged and influenced many aspiring artists to “just give it a try.” In the 60’s-70’s, Ann was one of a group of artists to recognize the potential of Easton’s Academy of Arts as a community center. During those years at the Academy, she painted, took classes, and exhibited extensively. She was also a crafter, knitter, ceramicist, gardener, and antique collector. In 1978, she and Dick moved from Easton to Raleigh, NC, where she was a painting instructor at SERTOMA, a local arts organization. Upon Ann and Dick’s return to the Eastern Shore in 1995, she worked for several years at Chesapeake College’s Career Connections, all the while continuing to paint and create. Ann was a devout Catholic, and until her health prevented it, attended mass at SS Peter and Paul in Easton almost every day. Her final wish was for us to have a mass in her honor. (Still playing the Mom role, getting us to church!) Therefore, a mass celebrating the remarkable life of Ann Piekenbrock Ford will be held at Easton’s SS Peter and Paul Church on February 5 at 11 a.m. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Talbot Hospice.

Ann P. Ford

July 26, 1929 - January 27, 2018