On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, my dear mother, Beverly Ann (Carlson) Ford, peacefully slipped away into eternity at the age of 88. Mom was born February 1, 1931 in the small farming community of Menahga, Minnesota to Nels and Hilma Carlson. Following graduation from Menahga High School (class of ’48), she left for Minneapolis to attend nursing school where she became a Registered Nurse. Shortly thereafter, she left for Los Angeles, California where she quickly found a job as an RN.
In 1954, she married a Los Angeles businessman, Alan Sussman. They raised two sons, Bradley and me. We briefly moved to Golden Colorado, and eventually to Northbrook, Illinois where she was both a homemaker and part-time nurse.
Ten years after the death of Dad (1991), Mom married Marvin Ford, a retired businessman from Wisconsin. They relocated to Mundelein, Illinois and enthusiastically began to travel the world. In their exciting seventeen years together they visited almost every continent and major city on the planet. In addition to their international adventures, they regularly enjoyed visits to see her family in Minnesota, Brad, me and her 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren in Ohio and California. Mom was passionate about exercising, watching sports, entertaining in her home, cooking delightful meals, and spending quality time with friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, first husband, and my twin sisters, Dawn and Jennifer, who died as infants. She is survived by her husband Marvin, brother Douglas, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for September in Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, donations to her favorite charities, the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Salvation Army, are highly encouraged.
Dear Brian,
May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time.
Gisela Aquino
1 Corinthians 15:54
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
Thank you, Gisela.
B-
Your mother was beautiful Brian…
Both inside and out… Never knew about your twin sisters… That must have been a difficult time for your family… I hope you appreciate the following quote “Depend upon it, your dying hour will be the best hour you have ever known! Your last moment will be your richest moment, better than the day of your birth will be the day of your death. It shall be the beginning of heaven, the rising of a sun that shall go no more down forever! –” C.H. Spurgeon
Thanks for sharing that excellent Spurgeon quote, Jim.
Powerful.
B-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time, Brian. Love your morning show with Katie and Sherry.
Thanks for thinking of us.
B-
Oh Brian and Brad, please accept my sincere condolences at the loss if your dear, beautiful Mother. I KNEW that something serious must have happened, since you were gone, from the morning show, for so long. I will always remember the show that you just broadcast, a few weeks ago, from the den in your mom and Martin’s home. So endearing. God bless you all, during this time of sorrow.
Thanks for your thoughts, Denise.
We really appreciate it.
Brian
Just a quick side note to my comment: of, not if your dear, beautiful Mother, and Marvin not Martin. I don’t like auto correct!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Psalm 71:21 “You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.”
We’re sorry to learn of your loss. We listen to your morning show by podcast, and have wondered about your recent absences. May you and your family find peace of mind and comfort.
Hey Brian, I know God will comfort you as you adjust to life without your amazing mom.
I’ll keep all your family in prayer. God will be with you brother.
My sincere condolences, Brian, on your Mother’s passing. As Christians we do have a blessed hope. At a memorial service it was said “We’ll be with him a lot longer than we’ll be without him “. God bless you.
Thanks for the encouraging word, George.
B-