Antoinette V. (Washington) Ford, 60, of Worcester, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2013, in UMass Hospital, surrounded by her loving family and some very special friends.

     Toni is survived by her loving husband of thirty-seven years, James L. “Jake” Ford; a son, James L. Ford, Jr. of Worcester; a brother, Lewis Washington of Portland, Maine; a sister, Monica Dillon of Worcester; four grandchildren, Dejhaun, Imaiya, Nilani and Jovan; an aunt Lucile Andrews of Worcester many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Cheryl Lynn Smith and by a brother and two sisters, Quincy Washington, Gwendolyn Ayeni and Fairybelle Kissi. Antoinette was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Quincy and Fairybelle (Mason) Washington and has lived all her life here. She graduated from North High School.

     Toni worked for many years as a Unit Secretary at UMass Memorial Medical Center, before retiring. She was a member of John Street Baptist Church. She enjoyed BINGO and will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be truly missed.

     Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 18, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be held on Thursday, December 19, at 11 a.m. in John Street Baptist Church, 41 John Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

     Donations in her memory may be made to John Street Baptist Church.