Mary Ford Beardall passed away on December 9, 2025, in Winter Park, Florida, at the age of 96. She was born on August 15, 1929, in Lexington, Kentucky, the only child of Lorena and John Ford.

Mary spent her early years in Lexington and later lived in Mobile, Greensboro, and Prattville, Alabama, before moving with her family to Orlando, Florida, in 1942. While attending Orlando High School, she met her future husband, William H. Beardall Sr.

In 1949, Mary interrupted her studies at Florida State University to marry Bill and devote herself to raising their five children. Over the years, Mary and Bill opened their home and hearts to countless others – including Bill's baseball players, foreign exchange students, and Mary's own students – many of whom became family in every meaningful sense.

A passionate believer in the power of education, Mary returned to school once her children were older. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Valencia Community College in 1968, a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1970 as a member of the first graduating class of Florida Technological University (now the University of Central Florida), and a Master's degree in Education from UCF in 1975.

Mary went on to a long and impactful teaching career, teaching English, The Bible as Literature, Humanities, British Literature, Film Making, Futures Studies, and Composition at Winter Park High School (1970–1975 and 1984–1992), Evans High School (1975–1978), and Valencia Community College (1978–1984).

Her commitment to service was deeply rooted in her faith. At First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, she served as deacon and elder and, with Bill, led the Senior High Youth Group and the Town and Campus Group from 1962 to 1966. After moving to Winter Park Presbyterian Church in 1991, she continued her leadership as a deacon and elder and founded the Relationships in Action Sunday School class.

Mary was actively involved in numerous civic and service organizations, including the Junior League, the League of Women Voters, the Parent Youth League, the Cold Night Program, and the Coalition for the Homeless. Following her retirement from teaching, she served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity (Winter Park), AIR (Alliance for International Reforestation), and the Justice and Peace Office of Apopka. She also served on national and international Presbyterian Committees on the Self-Development of People.

Mary participated in 17 Presbyterian mission trips, working on construction projects with AIR in Guatemala, with Young Life in Nicaragua, and with Scripture Union centers for homeless boys in Peru.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, and her granddaughter, Libby Nadeau.

She is survived by her five children: Mary Hoffmann (Fred), Bill Beardall Jr. (Jeanne), Laura McLeod (David), John Beardall, and Hal Beardall (Roxana); nine grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Mary will be remembered as a tireless servant to her community, her family, and all those whom God entrusted to her care. Her life was marked by an unwavering commitment to service, a love of education, and profound compassion for those most in need.

Those wishing to honor Mary's memory may make donations to Winter Park Presbyterian Church (Compassion Committee), 400 S. Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792, www.winppc.org or The Equal Justice Center, which provides legal aid for low-wage working people, 314 E Highland Mall Blvd Suite 401, Austin, TX 78752, www.equaljusticecenter.org

A service celebrating Mary's life will be held at Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 S. Lakemont Ave. at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10.