Marguerite "Maggie" Anne Ford

Marguerite “Maggie” Anne Ford, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, in Hilton Head, South Carolina, with her family by her side, at the age of 87.

Born in Philadelphia on October 4, 1937, to Ralph C. Parkes and Margaret K. Parkes, Maggie was raised in Glenside, Pennsylvania, alongside her siblings—Tom, Richard, and Debbie—with whom she shared many stories, support, and laughter. She graduated from Abington High School and attended Grove City College.

Maggie was many things in her life: a spirited volunteer, a loving matriarch, a gracious host, a world traveler, an animal lover, an avid cyclist and skier, and someone who never met a stranger she didn’t instantly befriend—whether it was her lifelong friends from Pennsylvania and South Carolina or the woman working at the farm stand down the road. She appreciated each person and always wanted to hear about their journey.

She married the love of her life, Chuck Ford, with whom she shared a joyful partnership full of adventure, family, and dinner parties (of which Maggie was famous for, to Chuck’s great delight). Together, they raised their family in Huntingdon Valley, PA, also living in Sanford, NC, and Abington, PA before moving to Hilton Head in the mid-1990s. They later spent eight adventure-filled years on Spring Island before moving to TidePointe on Hilton Head Island.

Maggie was a dedicated and compassionate volunteer throughout her life, giving her time to organizations such as Head Start in Philadelphia, Jenkintown Day Nursery, and the Women’s Board at Abington Hospital, among many others. Professionally, she managed a retirement community and worked in her family’s business alongside her father and brothers.

She was a passionate nature lover and, in her later years, proudly completed the South Carolina Master Naturalist program—an achievement that deepened her appreciation for the land and wildlife she so adored. Whether exploring the Lowcountry marshes or simply walking through her garden, Maggie’s curiosity and reverence for the natural world were ever-present.

Of course, no tribute to Maggie would be complete without mentioning her two faithful and pampered poodles, Misty and William, who brought her endless joy, kept her company on many strolls, watched over the kids in the pool (sometimes a little too closely), and held top billing in her heart—right behind her grandchildren.

Above all, Maggie loved her family fiercely. She was the proud mother of three sons:

Barry Ford (predeceased), married to Denise Ford; and children:

Alex

Hilary Wisniewski (married to Stefan; parents to Leo and Ezekiel)

Erika Hart (married to Kevin; parents to Daisy and Fitzgerald)

Mitchell

Michael Ford, married to Helen; and Michael’s children:

Kristin Hackett (married to Josh; parents to Elliott and Oliver)

Kyle (married to Kristyn)

Mark Ford, married to Stephanie; and children:

Jack

Pete

Marguerite

Maggie was always just a phone call away for her children and grandchildren and never missed a birthday (though maybe slightly belated). She made it her mission to bring family together—whether hosting unforgettable summer beach vacations or simply offering a warm, welcoming home filled with laughter, stories, and probably a few extra helpings of dessert.

Her passport was nearly as full as her heart. Maggie traveled to over 30 countries, equally enchanted by the glittering cities of Europe as by the serenity of a Tibetan mountain village. Whether traveling with Chuck, her grandchildren, or on Backroads cycling adventures, she collected not only souvenirs but stories, friendships, and inspiration.

Maggie’s faith was also very important to her and she attended a number of churches throughout her life including most recently The Chapel Without Walls in Hilton Head.

She is preceded in death by her husband Chuck and her son Barry. She is survived by her two sons, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, her siblings Tom, Richard, and Debbie, and many dear friends who will forever miss her bright spirit, generous heart, impeccable sense of occasion, and gentle humor.

Maggie Ford lived a life full of grace, curiosity, love, and joy—and we’re quite sure she’s now enjoying a long walk with Misty and William, followed by a sunset glass of wine and a heavenly dinner party with Chuck.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Spring Island Trust (an organization involved in conversation in the Lowcountry). A celebration of life for her will be announced shortly.