Evelyn Ford-Connors of Acton passed away January 27, 2025.
She was born June 9, 1953, in Allegan, Michigan, to the Rev. Richard and Patricia Sommer Ford. Evelyn grew up in Michigan, where her father held pastorates at Congregational and United Church of Christ churches. Evelyn followed in her family’s footsteps, attending Albion (Michigan) College, where she graduated in 1975 with a degree in sociology and Spanish. In college, Evelyn was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and spent a semester studying abroad in Mexico City. She remained in touch with her Albion College friends throughout her life.
After graduation, Evelyn moved to Boston to work at Raytheon Corp., where she met her beloved husband, Edward Connors. Evelyn and Edward were married April 19, 1980, and soon welcomed daughters Jennifer and Lauren. The family settled in Carlisle, where Evelyn stayed active in church, school, and community organizations. Evelyn remained close to her family and loved spending time back in Michigan. She particularly enjoyed showing her daughters the joys of a Lake Michigan beach in the summer.
While raising her two daughters, Evelyn felt called to continue her education and worked toward a doctorate in literacy education at Boston University. Her graduation from the program at age 59 was a cause for celebration and a strong source of pride for Evelyn and her entire family.
Evelyn embraced her career at Boston University, where she was a beloved professor of graduate courses, co-coordinator of the Literacy Assessment program, and director of the Donald D. Durrell Reading and Writing Clinic. Along with publishing numerous articles and book chapters focused on literacy learning, Evelyn also co-authored the book “Engaging Readers: Supporting All Students in Knowledge-Driven Reading, Grades 4-8.”
Evelyn’s true joy in life came from her family, and particularly, her more recent role as “Mimi” to grandsons Asher and Micah. Mimi spent hours with the boys — reading, cooking, hosting sleepovers, and visiting special spots like the library. She also had a love for animals and could often be seen taking a long walk with a dog in tow, specifically Noelle, Ernie, and Harry.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Catherine Crabb; and her brother, David C. Ford. Evelyn is survived by her loving family, including her husband Edward; daughters Jennifer Cohn and Lauren (Dan) Boyle; grandsons Asher and Micah; brother-in-law Fritz Crabb; sister-in-law Sue Nichols and husband Nick Nichols; and beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, February 7, at Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord. To view the service via livestream, please visit youtube.com/@TriConChurch/streams.
Memorial donations can be made in Evelyn’s honor to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
