Celebrating the life of
Mary Ford Ewaldsen
September 10, 1920 - April 20, 2011
MARY FORD EWALDSEN
September 10, 1920 – April 20, 2011
SAVANNAH, Mary Ford Ewaldsen 90 passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, April 20, at Spanish Oaks Retreat. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Paul H. Ewaldsen, Sr. She was born in Springfield, Georgia on September 10, 1920 to the late William Thomas Ford and Bertie Shipes Ford. She was also preceded in death by brother RT Ford, sisters Helen Allen, Marjorie Ford, and Willie Lee Ford Corellis.
Mary loved her Lord, her church, her family and friends. She was a fun loving homemaker, and always doing for others. She loved returning to her roots in Springfield, never missing a yearly family reunion. She was a long time member of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension where she was active in her church WELCA circle and the Altar Guild. She was a member of the Chatham Club, Savannah Yacht Club and the Savannah Golf Club. She particularly loved her Thursday night bingo at the Golf Club enjoying it with family and friends. She was for many years an extraordinary seamstress smocking beautiful dresses and suits for her grand children and designing custom clothes. Enjoying bridge with her lady friends was special to her; and one of the most important interests was her cooking skills baking her pound cakes and "secret" Chocolate Chip Pistachio Nut Cakes for many many friends. She was an avid sports fan raising five boys supporting their many athletic skills. When visiting her home, you would always find a TV on with that season's particular sport. She was an avid Braves and Falcon fan and divided her loyalty between the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs. She enjoyed music, particularly the piano and organ, passing those talents on to her family as well. She was an unbelievable mother and a special lady to all. The doors to her home were always open.
She will be deeply missed and is survived by her five sons and families Paul, Jr. & Pat, Ford & Gerry, Thomas & Nele, John, Gregg & Gail; GaGa to her eleven grand children Paige Greninger Ron; Laura Muchnick Jonathan, Beth Edmiston Bart, Chris Ewaldsen Shayne, Marianne Beardall Matthew, Virginia Carroll Doug Kathryn Mercer Chris, John Paul Lee Anne, Sarah Stafford Kevin, Chandler & Andrew Ewaldsen; and nineteen great grand children.
Preceding the Funeral Service at Ascension Lutheran Church on Wright Square Monday, April 25th will be visitation from 10-10:30 am in Crumley Hall followed by prelude music in the sanctuary by son Ford Ewaldsen and daughter-in-law, Nele Ewaldsen, and service at 11:00. This will be followed by a reception in Crumley Hall for the celebration of the life of Mary Ford Ewaldsen. Private grave side service at Bonaventure Cemetery will follow. Remembrances can be made in her honor to The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 6 State Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.
A special appreciation is extended by the family to Dr. Robert Brown, and the in-home caregivers, Ida , Mozelle and Gladys and to the caring people at Spanish Oaks Retreat.
To the Ewaldsen Boys: My sister Janice and I have many memories of your family; when we recall times childhood times in Savannah, the Ewaldsens always hold a place of affection. One of my fondest memories of childhood is sitting next to your mother at her dressing table while she powdered up for an evening out with your dad. I sat there every time she would let me, from the time I was a very little girl. Your mother would be in her slip, all lacy and silky, and I can still smell her powder and her lovely perfume; oh, she was so beautiful. Over the years I visited a number of times, and I once thanked 'Mrs. Ewaldsen' and told her how much those times touched me, and how clearly I could recall sitting there with her. She replied that no thanks were needed, she was always just tickled to spend some time with a little girl! Please accepted our belated condolences for the loss of your wonderful mother; I know she lives on in the hearts of many, as she does in our hearts.
- Patsy Lynn Corlett, Casselberry, FL
To all the Ewaldsens: Mary and Paul were my first friends in Savannah and truly became family during all five years I lived there. Not only did they take me in to live with them, I often dropped by for food and talk...and to watch some sewing and a little sports on TV. There was only one Mary. I love her and have many memories about her sense of humor, her strength, her kindness and her forthrightness. She told it how it is! She is one of the biggest reasons I have fond memories of Savannah, along with all of you who welcomed me too. You are continuing her tradition of hospitality, love AND love for the Lord. I am a much better person having known Mary, Paul and all of you. I will miss her deeply. Much love, Diana Haskell-Zimmerman
- Diana Haskell, St. Louis, GA
Tom and Nele, Although I am saddened by your Mother's passing, thankful is the greater emotion... That you have been blessed by her love and care, and the example she set for you, and that you have had her with you so long, is a gift that will continue to enrich your lives. In sympathy and peace, Ann
- Ann Smith-Wilson, Clyo, GA
How true it is that the doors to her home were always open. Your mom and dad took such good care of me while Tony was in Desert Storm. Many nights I slept in their front bed room and would run across the road early the next morning to get ready to go to work. I don't know if they ever really knew how much comfort they gave me at such a difficult time in my life. Their care for me meant so much to Tony, also. I am so glad we got to spend time with Mary a few years ago while visiting in Savannah. Your lives have been blessed with such Godly, loving parents. We share in your loss and pray for comfort for all of you.
- Tony and Denise McWaters, Fayetteville, GA
Dear John and the rest of the Ewaldsen family I know you will miss your mother but there will be many memories of her that you will bring up over your lifetimes without the fear of your mother getting you.I can remember one between your mother and mine where the two of them were talking at the curb and John came running out to the curb stark naked and your mother did not miss a beat talking to my mother. All she did was turn around and send you back into the house without loosing her train of thought and continued to finish her conversation with mother. She did not let your streaking upset her at all,well not that any of us ever knew.Take care and enjoy all of your memories of her.
- Hollis Puckett, Dacula, GA
For Paul and the entire Ewaldsen family My heart goes out to you at this sad time. George and I wanted you to know we are thinking of you. with deepest sympathy, Marty Olmstead
- Marty Olmstead, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless all of you.
- richard & joan colson, savannah, GA
We can still see her, prancing down the beach with the big beach umbrella over her shoulder. Mary Ewaldsen was a wonderful friend and a source of great joy. May she have many pistachio cakes awaiting her as she reunites with dear family and friends. we send our love and sympathy to all her family. Rollie and Josie Heath.
- Rollie and Josie Heath, Boulder, CO
Dear John and Ewaldson Family, I was saddened to hear of your Mother's passing. God bless. Carol Rabey
- Carol Rabey, Savannah, GA
Oh the memories that I have with your family, we go so very far back. Your Mom will be missed by many people here on earth, but at 90 she is regaining the friendship of all of those that went before her. Please remember all of the funny things that y'all did as a family. Laugh like your family always did in those younger years. Dad's been gone since '68 and I still get a good laugh from some of those memories. I was fortunate to have had Mom much longer and accumulated many more laughable moments. Please know that I am thinking of each of you as you celebrate your Mom on my Birthday. Love you all, Camille Go Gators
- Camille Puckett, Norcross, GA
Greg & Family, I do remember the fantastic care packagesgreat foodshe sent to you while you lived in Atlanta. I remember the great time when she had the cookout for our beach crew at your house. She always made you feel a part of her family. All good memories. She will be missed.
- Charles and Lynn Phillips, Marietta, GA
What a beautiful lady she was, inside and out....always smiling! She gave us a pattern for the life 'well lived'. My sympathy and love to all the Ewaldsens.
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Savannah, GA
Sorry to hear of your loss. She is now at rest.
- Mike and Brenda Parker, Savannah, GA
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was indeed a special person! Our condolences and prayers. Joey & Valerie Sheppard
- Joey Sheppard, Valdosta, GA
Dear Ewaldsen family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Gaga was such a sweet and wonderful lady. Such an inspiration and testament to each one of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Loved seeing her and visiting with her at Chandler and Andrew's sporting events. Though she has left this earth to go to a better place she will forever be in our hearts. Miss you and love you Gaga. The Jones Mitch, Terri, Chris and Thomas
- Mitch and Terri Jones, Savannah, GA
To the Ewaldsen Boys: My sister Janice and I have many memories of your family; when we recall times childhood times in Savannah, the Ewaldsens always hold a place of affection. One of my fondest memories of childhood is sitting next to your mother at her dressing table while she powdered up for an evening out with your dad. I sat there every time she would let me, from the time I was a very little girl. Your mother would be in her slip, all lacy and silky, and I can still smell her powder and her lovely perfume; oh, she was so beautiful. Over the years I visited a number of times, and I once thanked 'Mrs. Ewaldsen' and told her how much those times touched me, and how clearly I could recall sitting there with her. She replied that no thanks were needed, she was always just tickled to spend some time with a little girl! Please accepted our belated condolences for the loss of your wonderful mother; I know she lives on in the hearts of many, as she does in our hearts.
- Patsy Lynn Corlett, Casselberry, FL
To all the Ewaldsens: Mary and Paul were my first friends in Savannah and truly became family during all five years I lived there. Not only did they take me in to live with them, I often dropped by for food and talk...and to watch some sewing and a little sports on TV. There was only one Mary. I love her and have many memories about her sense of humor, her strength, her kindness and her forthrightness. She told it how it is! She is one of the biggest reasons I have fond memories of Savannah, along with all of you who welcomed me too. You are continuing her tradition of hospitality, love AND love for the Lord. I am a much better person having known Mary, Paul and all of you. I will miss her deeply. Much love, Diana Haskell-Zimmerman
- Diana Haskell, St. Louis, GA
Tom and Nele, Although I am saddened by your Mother's passing, thankful is the greater emotion... That you have been blessed by her love and care, and the example she set for you, and that you have had her with you so long, is a gift that will continue to enrich your lives. In sympathy and peace, Ann
- Ann Smith-Wilson, Clyo, GA
How true it is that the doors to her home were always open. Your mom and dad took such good care of me while Tony was in Desert Storm. Many nights I slept in their front bed room and would run across the road early the next morning to get ready to go to work. I don't know if they ever really knew how much comfort they gave me at such a difficult time in my life. Their care for me meant so much to Tony, also. I am so glad we got to spend time with Mary a few years ago while visiting in Savannah. Your lives have been blessed with such Godly, loving parents. We share in your loss and pray for comfort for all of you.
- Tony and Denise McWaters, Fayetteville, GA
Dear John and the rest of the Ewaldsen family I know you will miss your mother but there will be many memories of her that you will bring up over your lifetimes without the fear of your mother getting you.I can remember one between your mother and mine where the two of them were talking at the curb and John came running out to the curb stark naked and your mother did not miss a beat talking to my mother. All she did was turn around and send you back into the house without loosing her train of thought and continued to finish her conversation with mother. She did not let your streaking upset her at all,well not that any of us ever knew.Take care and enjoy all of your memories of her.
- Hollis Puckett, Dacula, GA
For Paul and the entire Ewaldsen family My heart goes out to you at this sad time. George and I wanted you to know we are thinking of you. with deepest sympathy, Marty Olmstead
- Marty Olmstead, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless all of you.
- richard & joan colson, savannah, GA
We can still see her, prancing down the beach with the big beach umbrella over her shoulder. Mary Ewaldsen was a wonderful friend and a source of great joy. May she have many pistachio cakes awaiting her as she reunites with dear family and friends. we send our love and sympathy to all her family. Rollie and Josie Heath.
- Rollie and Josie Heath, Boulder, CO
Dear John and Ewaldson Family, I was saddened to hear of your Mother's passing. God bless. Carol Rabey
- Carol Rabey, Savannah, GA
Oh the memories that I have with your family, we go so very far back. Your Mom will be missed by many people here on earth, but at 90 she is regaining the friendship of all of those that went before her. Please remember all of the funny things that y'all did as a family. Laugh like your family always did in those younger years. Dad's been gone since '68 and I still get a good laugh from some of those memories. I was fortunate to have had Mom much longer and accumulated many more laughable moments. Please know that I am thinking of each of you as you celebrate your Mom on my Birthday. Love you all, Camille Go Gators
- Camille Puckett, Norcross, GA
Greg & Family, I do remember the fantastic care packagesgreat foodshe sent to you while you lived in Atlanta. I remember the great time when she had the cookout for our beach crew at your house. She always made you feel a part of her family. All good memories. She will be missed.
- Charles and Lynn Phillips, Marietta, GA
What a beautiful lady she was, inside and out....always smiling! She gave us a pattern for the life 'well lived'. My sympathy and love to all the Ewaldsens.
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Savannah, GA
Sorry to hear of your loss. She is now at rest.
- Mike and Brenda Parker, Savannah, GA
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was indeed a special person! Our condolences and prayers. Joey & Valerie Sheppard
- Joey Sheppard, Valdosta, GA
Dear Ewaldsen family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Gaga was such a sweet and wonderful lady. Such an inspiration and testament to each one of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Loved seeing her and visiting with her at Chandler and Andrew's sporting events. Though she has left this earth to go to a better place she will forever be in our hearts. Miss you and love you Gaga. The Jones Mitch, Terri, Chris and Thomas
- Mitch and Terri Jones, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
