Madaline P. Ford

Madaline P. Ford, 66, Rockford, died Wednesday morning, October 9, 2013 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving children. Born January 28, 1947 in Kingsport, TN,. She was employed by MetLife Auto and Home for more than 10 years as a claims adjuster. She had previously been a claims adjuster for several other insurance companies and at one time had been one of the top realtors in the Rockford area. She was formerly affiliated with Central Christian Church and was a frequent visitor of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Madaline was very active in the Rockford community in many different areas. She was a member of On the Waterfront Committee, was a Girl Scout leader, and a tutor for language arts, an instructor for the Phantom Regiment Cadets and Phantom Regiment Spook House Make-up artist. She also volunteered for Janet Wattle's Berry Ball, Rockford Health System's Cuddlers and at Spectrum Progressive School of Rockford. Madaline had been a member of the Rockford Area Insurance Women and had been honored by the National Association of Insurance Women by receiving the 1992 Claims Professional of the Year, Region V. She was also honored by On the Waterfront as the 1998 Rookie of the Year and WROK as a volunteer of the week. She was a talented singer and was one of the founders of a women's trio, the "Love Notes". They spent several years performing at many area events, festivals and nursing homes. She had also been an actress and performed with the Beloit Civic Theatre, Rock Valley Studio Theatre, Starlight Theatre and Clock Tower Dinner Theatre. She loved to roller skate, ride horses, hunt and fish. She also enjoyed scuba diving, water skiing, skeet shooting and flower gardening. Madaline was a kind, loving, generous woman whose happy smile and laughter will be cherished by all. She was an amazing mother to her children and often a "second mom" to their friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Glendia (John) Strandin; son, Guy (Michelle) Ford; grandchildren, Savannah Bay Strandin, Cameron Lake Strandin and Livia Mae Ford; brothers, Charles "Woody" Hartman; Clifford Hamaker, Jr.; the father of her children, Glen Ford, and several nieces and cousins, including her special cousin, Carol Conway Bochlige, and Carol's daughter April. Predeceased by her parents, Martha Ball, Clifford Hamaker, Step-father Ross Bouton, Aunt Glenna Weems, Aunt Mary Conway, several uncles and in-laws, Violet & Glen Ford, Sr.

A memorial celebration of Madaline's life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel with Rev. Ryan Anderson officiating. Memorial visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established in Madaline's name. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.