Helen H. Ford

Helen Herr Ford, 90, died peacefully on March 12, 2025.  She was born on May 30, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Philip Cameron Herr and Helen Paxon Herr.  

Helen grew up with her brother, Philip Herr, in Lansdowne PA, attending the Friends Elementary School and Lansdowne High School.  In August of 1945 she was stricken with polio.   She lived with the limiting effects of polio the rest of her life although she would always look for things that she could do in the community or from home to contribute.

During her youth, she took piano and organ lessons and served as the organist at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA where she graduated in 1956 with a degree in English.  After college, she taught school in Starkville, Mississippi and in Chatham, New Jersey before starting her family in 1960.   She returned to teaching after her divorce and then moved to Kendal in March 2011.

Ocean Grove, NJ was a centrally important part of Helen’s life. As a young child she would visit her grandparent’s ocean front house where she and her brother enjoyed the beach and ocean. She brought her family there on annual summer visits and instilled a love of Ocean Grove in her children and grandchildren. In later years she fulfilled a long-term desire and rented a summer tent next to the Auditorium.

Throughout her life, Helen loved to listen to classical music, especially organ music.  In her later years she contributed to the refurbishment of several pipe organs, and the building of new ones.   At Ocean Grove, she enjoyed listening to organ practices and concerts. 

Helen kept in touch with the many friends she had made over the years and liked to write and receive letters and emails, and especially visit with and talk to them.  She frequently attended luncheon gatherings and class reunions with several of her friends from schools she attended.

Faith was always present in Helen’s life.   She was raised Methodist and then joined First Presbyterian in West Chester PA after moving to Kendal.   She attended services when she could, and in her later years listened to them on the radio and always looked forward to receiving a visit and communion in her apartment.   Her faith also led her to always look for ways to help those who were disadvantaged or in need.

While at Kendal, Helen faced some difficult medical adversities and was able to beat Stage 4 ovarian cancer and recover from a heart attack.  She said that the support of the loving Kendal community, family, and friends was essential in accompanying her along these journeys.

Helen is survived by her three sons, Joseph Ford (Audrey O’Donald), Benjamin Ford (Amy Stewart), Timothy Ford (Sonya Ford), and her grandchildren William Ford, Anna Ford, and Megan Ford.  Helen is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Philip C. Herr.

A memorial service to honor Helen’s life will be held on Saturday June 14, 2025 at 1:30 pm at Kendal at Longwood, 1109 E Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s memory to Partners for Sacred Places click here to donate

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