A BELOVED great-great-grandmother who was "a source of inspiration for many" has died just before her 101st birthday.
Cath Ford, who was born in Nottingham in the early 1920s, died aged 100 on Friday, January 26, following a long and fulfilling life.
She was “blessed” with four children, 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Cath was best known for devoting her life to caring for others, which she did as a Salvation Army officer, a district midwife and a volunteer.
Cath was the daughter of two officers in the Salvation Army and moved around the UK every 12 to 18 months with them as a youngster.
In 1948 she entered the Salvation Army Training College herself along with her future husband, Eric Ford.
They were commissioned in May 1948 and then married in 1950. They were stationed at 16 corps across England, Scotland and Wales, serving for 21 years until leaving as majors in 1969.
From 1989 until 1996 they were also divisional envoys at Manningtree Corps.
Cath’s family said: “Their focus in life was to relentlessly help others, providing care and support on a very practical basis, mixed with sincere compassion for people’s welfare, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.”
Cath also had a career in midwifery and district nursing in Harwich and Colchester.
She was said to have had a “very active retirement”, running a mother and toddler group in Colchester.
Her enthusiasm continued in the last few months of her life at Colonia Court Care Home.
Her family said: “She was much loved and always made a special effort to ask the staff how they were, and if they needed to talk about anything.
“Her years of caring for others, and her faith remained at the core of who she was.
“Cath was always there for those in need.
“Over the years, Cath has touched the lives of countless people with her relentless kindness, compassion, and generosity.
“She was a source of inspiration for many, and her legacy will continue to live on for generations.”
In memory of Cath, her family have set up a fundraising page to raise money for the Cry In The Dark charity.
The charity aims to “put Christian love and compassion into action by reaching out to children and young people of any race, creed or faith who are marginalised by poverty, sickness or disability".
To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/cath-ford.
A ‘Thanksgiving Service’ will take place on February 22 at 12.45pm at The Salvation Army Citadel, Butt Road, Colchester.
There is no formal dress code although bright colours are welcome.
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