Priscilla Whitcomb Ford

Priscilla Whitcomb Ford of Albuquerque died December 6, 2016, surrounded by loving family, after a brief illness. She was born May 14, 1926, in New York City, daughter of the Rev. James Lanmon Whitcomb and Josephine (Hale) Whitcomb. Priscilla graduated from St. Mary's School in Peekskill, NY in 1943, and earned a B.A. in Zoology from Wellesley College in 1947. On June 28, 1947, she married Benjamin P. Ford III. Priscilla supported her husband in his career as an Episcopal priest and missionary to the Sioux and Navajo tribes; she worked as a camp counselor, research assistant, receptionist and office administrator, while raising three children and managing family households in New York, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Indiana. She and Benjamin also lived for several years in Belize and Grimsby, England.
Benjamin and Priscilla enjoyed a 15-year retirement near the coast of Maine, during which time they were active with the National Audubon Society. They relocated to Albuquerque in 2003 to be near family; Benjamin died in 2009, after 62 years of marriage.
Priscilla was famous for her gracious hospitality, lively conversation, and nurturing concern for all her family and friends. She loved to entertain visitors, and often hosted gatherings for her large extended family. Everyone who knew her never left her home hungry, and her blueberry pies and fruit trifles were legendary. She was an excellent cook, voracious reader, ardent gardener, and avid birdwatcher; she taught her children the same skills, care and consideration, and to always lead by example. She was a faithful member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church for the last fourteen years, and was devoted to the people and programs there.
Priscilla leaves behind her three children, Josephine H. Ford of Albuquerque, Louise V. Ford (Clay A. Wygant) of Albuquerque, and Benjamin P. Ford IV (Linda) of Rochester, NY; three grandchildren, Sonya M. Gorski of Redwood City, CA, Charlotte E. Roche LT USN (Marco V. Roche LT USN) of Chesapeake, VA, and Stuart C. Wygant of Albuquerque; great-grandson, Vincent R. Roche; her brother, Francis H. Whitcomb of West Glover, VT; her sister-in-law, Sarah D. Fraizer; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 10, 2016, 1:00 p.m., at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montano Rd. NW. Her cremated remains will be placed beside those of her husband Benjamin in Parsippany, NJ in the summer of 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Episcopal Relief and Development, 815 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017, or the Audubon Society (action.audubon.org).



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