Carleen (D'Elia) Ford

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Carleen (D’Elia) Ford, 84, of Worcester., who passed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony T. Ford who passed away in 2006.

Born April 15, 1941, in Worcester, Carleen was the daughter of the late Anthony and Leanora (Bizzarro) D’Elia. Carleen was a graduate of Commerce High School.

Carleen was an accomplished hairdresser and developed quite a clientele following high school. She married, ‘Bucky’ and the two had their first child, Tony in 1965. Tony was diagnosed with a mental handicap soon after birth and Carleen dropped everything to ensure his care. Carleen doted on her two children, but Tony was the pride of her existence. The degree of sacrifice Carleen made to her eldest son was boundless. Whatever it took to guarantee Tony’s happiness, Carleen was on board, she was the definition of ‘selfless’. The only thing that rivaled Carleen’s love of her sons, was her love of her God and faith in Eternal Life.

Carleen is survived by her loving children, Anthony P Ford of Worcester and Michael P. Ford of Holden; her cherished remaining sibling, Gloria A D’Elia; and several nieces and nephews. Sadly, in addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Carleen was predeceased by her brother, Ralph D’Elia and her sister Camille (D’Elia) Soucy.

Rest easy, Ma….you earned it…’Night, Night”…..

A Funeral Mass will be held for Carleen on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Road, Worcester. Following Mass Carleen will be laid to rest with her husband in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carleen’s memory to Seven Hills Foundation, 81 Hope Ave, Worcester, MA 01603.