Jeanette Ford

Kathleen Jeanette Ford passed away peacefully at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital on December 24, 2009 at the age of 84 years.

Jeanette was born in Glanton, Northumberland England and moved to Canada with her family when she was just 6 months old. They settled in the Calgary area, and it was there at the age of 15 she fell in love with the boy next door, Traven Ford, who she married on January 17, 1947 after he returned from serving in the Canadian Navy during WWII. On June 13, 1951 Jeanette and Traven's son Brian was born.

Jeanette and Traven moved to Banff in March of 1957 and purchased a home on Cougar St. In 1961 Traven opened up Ford's TV and Stereo in a small shop beside their house and Jeanette worked as bookkeeper and secretary. Brian joined the company in 1970. She also opened and ran a craft store on Banff Ave. called the Hobby House.

Jeanette greatest passion was painting which she studied at the Banff School of Fine Art under Professor Harry Wolfarth and in 1975 she graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Fine Art. She was an avid member of the Banff Community Art Classes and would travel around the province teaching her own art class. Jeanette and her sister, Chris ran an Art Gallery for a short time at the Banff Springs Hotel called the Cabin Gallery. Perhaps her greatest joy was passing on & teaching painting to her granddaughter, Christine. She loved animals and always had pets around the house, who she spoiled royally. Her greatest love was her family, enjoying all the special times and get togethers that they all shared.

Jeanette is survived by her husband Traven, son Brian (Mary Louise), beloved grandchildren Robert and Christine, her niece's Carol (John Hushcroft) and Laurie (Paige Behmer) she is predeceased by her sister Christian (Chris) Herchmer.

A private family service will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, friends and family wishing to remember Jeanette may make donations, in her memory to the Bow Valley SPCA. (Box 8154, Canmore, AB T1W 2T9 or online at www.bowvalleyspca.org) or to your favorite charity

The family appreciates all of your love and support during this time.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.