Celeste Pacetti Ford

A loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and friend Celeste Pacetti Ford, also known as Mimi to her nine grandchildren, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was 77 years old.

Celeste was born on April 9th, 1946, in Morgan City, Louisiana, to Arlene and Rodney Pacetti. She grew up in Fort Myers, Florida with her two brothers, Greg and Rodney Pacetti. She attended Fort Myers High School where she met her husband, Samuel Ford. They married in 1966 and had four children: David, Rebecca, Tim and Andrew.

Celeste was a devoted wife and mother, who followed her husband's career around the world. She lived in Atlanta, Maryland, New York, Paris and Tokyo, where she loved the art, culture and cuisines of those international cities. She especially loved the challenge and creativity of decorating each new home she moved to with furniture and treasures from her travels.

After Sam's death in 1994, Celeste moved back to Fort Myers where she met her partner, Joe Hensley. They moved to Calistoga, California where they ran a successful bed and breakfast, Aurora Park Cottages, for 15 years. Celeste enjoyed hosting guests from all over the world and making them feel at home.

Celeste was the matriarch of her family, and her love and support went beyond to extended family and friends. She was always there for them, offering advice, encouragement, and comfort. She was especially proud of her nine grandchildren, whom she adored and spoiled. She loved her beach cottage on Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where she spent many happy holidays with her family. She also hosted reunions for her family, siblings, and extended family, creating lasting memories for everyone.

Celeste leaves behind an amazing legacy in her children and their families: David Ford and his wife, Stephanie, and their children, Keegan and Chloe; Rebecca Tomasulo and her husband, Chris, and their children, Sam and Amelia; Tim Ford and his wife, Sharon, and their children, Taylor and Will; and Andrew Ford and his wife Beth, and their children, Thomas, Jack and Peter. She is also survived by her brothers, Greg Pacetti and Rodney Pacetti, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Ford; and her mother and father, Arlene and Rodney Pacetti.

We understand she felt peaceful knowing she would join her beloved husband, Sam, and her parents in Heaven.

For those who wish to contribute to her memory, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or WellStar Hospice Care whose remarkable staff of doctors and nurses showed Celeste and our family such kindness and grace in her final days.

The Ford Family invites you to a Celebration of Life for Celeste Pacetti Ford Saturday, June 8th, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm at the Pink Shell Resort, 275 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Room Block available 800-237-5786 (option #1, #2, then ask for in-house reservations)