Obituary of Donna Mae Ford

We are saddened to announce the passing of Donna Mae (Nicholson) Ford at the age of 86 on Saturday, August 24th, at Royal Rose Retirement Home.
Donna was born in Toronto and raised in St. Catharines, where she attended Edith Cavell Public School and St. Catharines Collegiate. She spent most of her career working at Bell Canada, but her true calling came after retirement when she immersed herself in her genealogy and Black history. Her passion led her to establish the Central Ontario Network for Black History, a legacy that will endure in the community she served so dearly, and she will be fondly remembered for her dedication to this important cause.

Above all, Donna cherished her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Hubert (Britt) Ford and a loving mother to Tracey (Jerry), Mark, Kelly, and Christopher. She was a proud grandmother to Daniel (Megan), Nicholas (Angie), Mackenzie, Levi, Kamari, Elijah, Noah, and Avery, and a great-grandmother to Lucas, Quinton, Stella, and Weston. Donna was also a dear sister to Ross Nicholson and Richard (Nick) Nicholson, and is predeceased by her sisters Constance (Connie) Ray and Lynn Barham. She was a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews.

To honor Donna’s life and her commitment to Black history, donations can be made to the Salem Chapel BME Church National Historic Site in St. Catharines at http://salemchapelbmechurch.ca

Visitation will be held on Tuesday September 3rd between 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm as well as 7:00 – 9:00 at George Darte Funeral Home at 585 Carlton St in St Catharines.  The funeral will be held on Wednesday September 4th at 11:00 am at West St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 42 Pelham Rd in St Catharines. 

For online condolences please visit: www.dartefuneralhome.com