Tish was the beloved daughter of Charles M. Ford and Barbara Ann Clancy Ford, and was also lovingly raised by Edith Ford. She grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Weymouth High School in Weymouth. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to further studies at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Boston and later at UMass Boston.

Throughout her career, Tish brought intelligence and commitment to every role she held. She worked at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston and Cabot Corporation before relocating to Florida, where she continued her professional journey with the Lee County Sheriff's Department in Sarasota. Her work reflected a strong sense of responsibility and independence that defined much of her life.

Tish’s greatest joy came from time spent with her family. She was a devoted mother to Maureen E. Gatto; Rosemarie E. Leahy and her husband Paul; William H. Ahlstedt; Eileen P. Leahy; Suzanne N. Avella; and Brian J. Ahlstedt and his wife Maureen and Step Brother’s: Charles, Frank, Thomas and his wife Suzanne, and Paul. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Mario, Stephanie, Sean, Gregory (Felicity), Alexandra (Matthew), Kelly, Emily, Edward, Patrick, Sarah, Victoria (Christopher), and Brandon; as well as great-grandchildren Shay, Wesley, and Henry.

She was predeceased by many dear family members who shaped her life: her parents Charles M. Ford and Barbara Ann Clancy Ford; Edith Ford; Aunts and Uncles Sister Mary Trinitas, Margaret and John Sweeney, Ann Clancy, Alice Donoghue ; sisters- and brothers-in-law Barbara Ann Ford Guerard and William Guerard; Dorothy Ford Shea and Daniel Shea; sons-in-law Clifford E. Gatto, Michael Villani, Edward Leahy; and cousin Meaghan Walsh.

Tish had a deep love for music that resonated throughout her life she found joy in dancing to favorite tunes or simply listening with appreciation. She delighted in family gatherings where laughter flowed freely and memories were made around shared meals or celebrations. Travel offered her new experiences that she embraced with curiosity and enthusiasm. An avid reader with a bright mind, she found comfort in books as well as inspiration.

Those who knew Tish will remember her lovely smile that lit up every room she entered. Her positive outlook remained steady through life’s challenges a testament to her strength of spirit and she carried herself with grace and independence throughout all stages of life.

May the memory of Tish’s warmth and resilience bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Memorial Mass will be held on April 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Church 234 Pleasant St., South Weymouth, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Tufts School of Medicine in support of The Anatomical Gift Program.

Gifts can be given online at: https://medicine.tufts.edu/giving

Tufts University

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