10/29/2026
Lenore Lorlite Wessel Ford
Lenore Lorlite Wessel Ford passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 27, 2026, following a long journey with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).
Born on January 26, 1944, to Walter H. and Lorlite Lillian (Kappen) Wessel, Lenore lived a life filled with family, friendship, creativity, and adventure.
Lenore met her husband, Robert "Bob" Ford, while attending Alfred University, where she studied to become a phlebotomist. They married on September 26, 1964, beginning a partnership that would span 62 years. Together, they raised two daughters, built businesses, traveled extensively, and created a lifetime of cherished memories.
After raising her daughters, Lenore worked alongside Bob at Ford Brothers Wholesale Meats. With her independent spirit and entrepreneurial drive, she also established her own trucking company, Hollow Hills Trucking. Incredibly intelligent, capable, and determined, Lenore was never afraid to take on a new challenge.
Lenore was a wonderfully social woman who loved being active, having fun, and spending time with friends. Throughout her life, she enjoyed bowling, golf, tennis, and card leagues, building countless friendships along the way. In her early years, she was an avid bowler in West Valley, where she was affectionately known as "Wes" among her bowling friends. Later, she and Bob divided their retirement years between Western New York and Florida, where she especially enjoyed the active lifestyle and wonderful friendships she made at Meadowood Golf and Tennis Club.
Always ready for an adventure, Lenore loved to travel, attend concerts, and experience new things. She was a particularly enthusiastic fan of Cher and enjoyed music and entertainment throughout her life. She and Bob shared many fabulous trips together, but some of their most meaningful travels were the countless miles they journeyed across the country to watch their four grandsons compete in sports. Being there to cheer them on brought them tremendous pride and joy.
An exceptionally talented artist, Lenore expressed her creativity in many forms. She was especially gifted in oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting, creating beautiful works of art that her family will treasure for generations. Her artistic curiosity extended well beyond painting, as she was always willing to explore new mediums and creative pursuits. Her artwork remains a lasting reflection of her remarkable talent and imagination.
Lenore was incredibly smart, independent, and refreshingly direct. She had a curious mind, strong convictions, and a personality that was uniquely her own. She had a wonderful sense of fun, loved a good adventure, and surrounded herself with friends throughout her life.
Above all else, Lenore loved her two daughters. Family was at the heart of her life, and she took tremendous pride in her children, grandchildren, and growing family.
Lenore is survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert Ford; her daughters, Kristine Winn (Randy) of Longmont, Colorado, and Debra Luedeke (Rob) of Cary, North Carolina; and her four grandsons, Nicholas Luedeke (Jordan), Cason Winn (Kait), Alex Luedeke (Grace), and Cole Winn (Cedar). Her family also includes her great-grandchildren, Brewer Winn, Mia Winn, and Sadie Winn, who was born on October 28, the day after Lenore's passing, as well as Hudson Luedeke, whose arrival is anticipated in December.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lorlite Wessel, and her brother, Ronald Wessel.
Although NPH presented significant challenges in her later years, it does not define the life Lenore lived. She will be remembered as a vibrant, intelligent, creative, and adventurous woman who embraced life, treasured her friendships, and loved her family deeply.
Lenore will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date, with details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Lenore’s honor to McKee Botanical Garden, in Vero Beach, Florida, a fitting tribute to her love of beauty, nature, and creativity.
Her beautiful paintings, the memories of countless adventures, and the love she shared with her family and friends will remain a lasting part of her legacy.
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