MARYJO FORD

Mary Jo Ford (Reese), 68, of Oshkosh, WI, passed away on May 6, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones and her dogs, Greys and Jax, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center–Neenah, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke 12 days earlier.

Mary was born on July 4, 1956, in Neenah, WI, to Nancy and Richard Reese. She was the fifth of eight children in a lively household of six girls and two boys. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved sisters: Linda Reese, Pamela Reese, and Gina Johnson.

A 1975 graduate of Neenah High School, Mary spent most of her life in Neenah before settling in Oshkosh 23 years ago. She was a devoted mother to four children: Brandy Ford, Steve (Amber) Ford, Angela (Eric) Verhagen, and Chelsee Ford. She had 8 grandchildren, whom she loved watching and spending time with. 

Mary was a selfless and compassionate soul who gave freely of herself. She sacrificed herself and her happiness, in order to ensure others, especially her children were cared for. Whether it was providing a ride, a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, help with a project, or just a laugh she was always there, no matter how hard of a day she had. Her vibrant spirit meant she never met a stranger—she had a gift for turning casual encounters into meaningful conversations, whether in the grocery store aisle with a random stranger or on a walk down the trail.

Mary loved spending time with her dogs, Jax and Greys and taking them on daily trail walks with her daughter Chelsee, no matter the weather. You may have seen them on the Wiouwash Trail, as that was one of her favorite places to walk with the dogs. Mary also enjoyed tending to her flowers and garden, watching pelicans soar overhead, and rescuing injured animals—sometimes traveling great distances to bring them to rehabilitation centers. She found peace in nature, especially by the water, and joy in animals of all kinds.

Her playful spirit shone when she was in the pool, often challenging Chelsee to games of HORSE or when playing cards; both of which she kicked her daughter's butt in. She also formed deep bonds with neighbors and friends who became like family, and her home was always open to those in need.

Mary created a village of love, support, and resilience. Even in her absence, that village has surrounded her family, ensuring they are cared for and never alone. Her legacy lives on in the kindness she showed, the lives she touched, and the values she instilled in her children.

Thank you, Mom, for everything! We love you and miss you more than words can express! You taught us to lead with love, welcome others with open arms, and find joy in simple things.

When you see a pelican, or a face in a rock, tree, or moon, please think of Mary and smile.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. This page will be updated with the details.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary's honor to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society or plant a flower or tree in her memory.