(Chelsea Update would like to thank Lexi Cerilli for the information and photos in this story.)
United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) and the UMRC Foundation recently honored Jim Ford for his decades of leadership, board service and generosity by unveiling the Anne Ford Garden Oasis, located at UMRC’s Glazier Commons Assisted Living Center in Chelsea.
Dozens of current and former UMRC and UMRC Foundation board members and staff were on hand to thank Jim for his devotion and to dedicate the courtyard garden to Jim’s late wife, Anne.
In 1990, Jim Ford, then chief economist and business executive at Ford Motor Company, joined the governing board of UMRC, an organization where he could share both his vast financial expertise and management skills, and his passion for UMRC’s mission to provide innovative residential and supportive services to older adults.
He played a key role in planning and volunteering for Towsley Village, UMRC’s state-of-the-art memory care center. He was also instrumental in the creation and success of the UMRC Foundation, UMRC’s charitable fundraising arm, where he served on the board for 15 years.
After years of service and leadership to UMRC, his relationship with the organization became much more personal when his wife, Anne, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As she began to need more extensive care, Towsley Village – the memory care center that Jim had worked so tirelessly to create – became Anne’s home where she was beloved by her caregivers.
“Jim continues to be a trusted mentor to me and a passionate advocate for the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” said John Thorhauer, president and CEO, UMRC in a press release, adding, “Jim was blessed to find happiness a second time in life when he married Phyllis and began a new chapter. Both Jim and Phyllis continue to quietly and humbly serve the needs of seniors through their support of UMRC.”
“We will always appreciate that the Fords permitted us to honor Jim’s leadership, tenure and generosity to UMRC by naming the gardens after Anne,” said Wendy Brightman, president, UMRC Foundation in a press release. “We hope this naming will inspire others to become more involved in the future success of UMRC.”
