Charlotte “Char” Kupferer Ford

SOUTH BEND - Charlotte Kupferer Ford, 87, died peacefully in her home at Andre Place on Thursday May 19, 2011, at 4:15 a.m., following a brief illness. She left this world in the presence of family and surrounded by love, gratitude, and wonderful memories. "Char" was born February 28, 1924 in South Bend to the late Victor H. and Miriam (Harding) Kupferer and was a lifetime area resident.

She graduated from Central High School in 1941 and then from Indiana University-Bloomington, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi, Phi Beta Kappa, and received a Master's in history. On June 12, 1948 in South Bend, she married G. Burt Ford (1923-2008) whom she had known since high school, where they served on the student council together. After their wedding they lived in Bloomington while Burt studied law at I.U. and she taught high school history. After Burt graduated, they returned to South Bend, where they raised their four children and enjoyed spending time with their four grandchildren. She always loved music and played piano up until a few weeks of her death. Bach's "Invention #14" was open on her music stand. Char's interests and activities included travel and her work with the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, the Michiana Arts and Sciences Council, the South Bend Hoosier Art Patrons Association, the Women's Art League, the Junior League of South Bend, the Women's Literary Club, Junior Great Books and many others. In her words: "Because I enjoy it and have been able to do so, I have always volunteered. Every one of us is exposed to visual and performing arts. What will be our heritage to future generations?"

Surviving are two daughters, Victoria Ford (Shawn Johnson) of Seattle, WA and Charlotte Ford of Napa, CA; two sons, John B. Ford (Mary Funkhouser) of Mishawaka, and George H. Ford (Sonia) of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren, Carolyn Ford Penn (Donald) of Indianapolis; Abigail Sywyk (Ricardo Cravens) of Napa, CA; Sarah Sywyk of Napa, CA; and David O. Ford (Darcy Holladay) of Denver, CO; a sister, Carolyn Shaffer of Mill Valley, CA; a sister-in-law, Beverly Sunderland of Chesterfield, MA; a niece, Robin Beck (William) of Kokomo; and three nephews, E. G. White (Sharon) of Indianapolis, Daniel E. White (Nancy) of Mishawaka, and Donald Shaffer (Becky) of Fremont, CA. She was preceded in death by a brother, Victor H. Kupferer ("Bud").

07/21/2022 EJS