Alice Gertrude Ford

Alice Gertrude Ford, the second daughter and last surviving child of the late Francis Andrew Ford and Anna Agnes (née Dougherty) Ford of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 22 at St. Martha Manor in Downingtown, PA, where she had resided for the past five years. She was 98.

Known to family and friends as Honey, Alice lived a life defined by faith, family and fierce loyalties. A devout Catholic and proud Irish woman, she was also a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan—holding coveted end-zone season tickets for many years—and a devoted cat lover to Molly, Tippy and several other feline companions over the decades. Above all, Honey was a beloved aunt to her 17 nieces and nephews, many grandnieces and grandnephews, and a growing number of great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews, all who will remember her with love and great affection.

She was predeceased by her sisters Anne Durako, Margaret “Totsie” Aubrey, Delores Marie Ford and Betty Jane Ford, and her brothers Francis Jr. (Frank), James (Jimmie) and Joseph (Joey) Ford.

Born in her grandmother Alice Gertrude O’Brien Dougherty’s home in Philadelphia in 1927, Honey spent 93 years in the city she loved. She lived on 57th Street in West Philadelphia, Guyer Avenue in Southeast Philadelphia, and Lombard Street in Center City at Casa Farnese. In 2021, following a broken hip and a bout with COVID, she relocated to St. Martha Manor—what she fondly referred to as “out in the country” in Chester County.

A graduate of West Catholic Girls High School, Honey also earned a certificate of completion from the Philadelphia Modeling and Charm School in 1955—a credential that delighted family members who knew her shy, practical side. She supported herself throughout her life and for many years helped care for her parents, with whom she lived until their deaths. Her professional career included work as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper at several Philadelphia businesses, including AAA and the Philadelphia Credit Union.

Faith was central to Honey’s life. She was an active parishioner in the Catholic communities of her neighborhoods, including St. Irenaeus (now part of Divine Mercy Parish) and St. Rita of Cascia, and often attended daily Mass. She chose St. Martha Manor in part for its pastoral care and regularly attended services there in her early years. When she could no longer make it to the chapel, she was often found in her room with rosary and prayer book in hand.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass at the chapel at St. Martha Manor, 470 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, TBA, followed by a reception. Her cremains will be interred in the family burial plot at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to any of her prior churches would be appreciated.

Additional memorial Masses will be celebrated on January 17, 2026 and on June 21, 2026. Check back for details.

Contact: Goddaughter and executor, Jo Anne Durako, durako@comcast.net.