Nancy (Ewen) Fording

York, Maine-Nancy (Ewen) Fording, 84, passed away on January 19, 2019 in Kittery, Maine, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Born in Abington, PA, she was the daughter of Frank and Laura Ewen.  Nancy is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Norman; her five children, Thomas Fording of Arlington, VA, Laura Fording (Thomas Fiske) of Princeton, NJ, Carolyn Fording of Reading, MA, John Fording of Norfolk, VA, and David Fording (Julia) of Glencoe, IL; her three grandchildren, Benjamin, Eli, and Hannah, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Nancy was pre-deceased by her three siblings, Elizabeth, Margaret, and John.

Nancy was a true fighter for the causes she believed in, using her intelligence and charm to make the world a more just and caring place. She dearly loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. Good conversation and laughter fed her spirit. Her Christian faith guided her.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Nancy was an accomplished student and president of the senior student council in high school. She graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in education.  She and Norman were married in 1957 at Oak Lane Methodist Church in Philadelphia, where their parents were members and friends. After living in Syracuse, NY, and briefly in Illinois, they moved to Franklin, MA in 1968, and raised their family there for more than 25 years, while establishing many warm and wonderful friendships.

Nancy worked for the Franklin Public Schools throughout the 1970s, primarily as a 3rd grade teacher, and also as director of the Federal Title I program.  Always seeking to inform and educate, she wrote a weekly newspaper column for parents, called "Learning & Liking It", for The Woonsocket Call.  In her 50s, Nancy redirected her career into financial services, working at State Street Bank in Boston and several law firms, principally as an estate administrator. In retirement, she would return to writing again, highlighting the work of teen volunteers in the York County Coast Star, among other projects.

Nancy found much joy in music and was a passionate pianist and singer for most of her life. One of her favorite activities in retirement was singing with the Seaglass Chorale in southern Maine. She also took great pleasure in regularly attending Portland Symphony Orchestra concerts.

The state of Maine always held a special place in Nancy’s heart.  She spent her first summers on Moody Beach as a baby in the 1930s. In the 1950s, she worked at the Barbara Dean restaurant in Ogunquit, and so enjoyed it that she encouraged her children to do the same, which several of them did.  Ultimately, she and Norman retired to Ogunquit in 1993, where Nancy cherished meeting friends for breakfast, walking on Ogunquit Beach, and serving her fellow citizens.  She volunteered extensively in Ogunquit, working tirelessly in pursuit of numerous causes.  She was undeterred by obstacles in her path because she remained focused on the good she hoped to achieve.  Nancy served on the Voter Involvement Project, the Planning Board, and chaired the Recycling Committee, work for which she was later granted the eco-Excellence Award by ecomaine.  She was a strong and vocal advocate for other local environmental causes as well. She was a member of the Ogunquit Women's Club, was actively involved with students in the Wells-Ogunquit school district, and worked as a Hospice volunteer. 

Nancy's family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Sentry Hill, Durgin Pines, Aging Excellence, and Caring Way for their compassionate and loving care during her final years. 

A Memorial service Celebrating Nancy’s life will be held Monday, June 24th at 11am in the First Parish Church, 180 York St., York, Maine.

Donations in Nancy’s honor can be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or at www.alz.org

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