Olga Louise Ford

Olga was born on February 29, 1940 in Kingston, Jamaica to Gladys Foster and Wilfred Williams. As a “Leap Year” baby, she entered this world already a little “extra” special. She often joked about how young she was since her official birthday only came every four years.

She was adopted by Korah Maude Lindo-Lauder, who she affectionately referred to as Mama-ita. Olga completed her primary schooling in Jamaica and then left for England in the early 1960’s to pursue her nursing degree.

Her career began at Putney Hospital in London. In 1968 she immigrated to the United States with her two eldest children. Olga was married to Leonard Ford in the mid 1960’s and Kenneth Rodney in the mid 1970’s.

She remained steadfast in her goals to provide a better life for her children and through hard work and dedication, Olga purchased her first home in Brooklyn, NY in 1970.

Olga and Joseph Bridgewater knew each other as young adults, became reacquainted and eventually married in 1987.

In 1997 at age 12, Araceli Jacobs entered their lives. They quickly bonded and Araceli was loved and raised as their daughter and embraced within the family as sister and aunt.

In the early 1980’s, Olga’s dear friend Yvonne sent her eldest daughter, Maxine from the UK to begin her adult life in the United States. Maxine lived with Olga for several years and their relationship grew. She loved Maxine and her children, (Andre and Miranda) and considered them an important extension of her family.

Olga continued her nursing career and maintained employment at Long Island College Hospital for over three decades. She also worked at Cobble Hill and Congress Nursing Homes. She was a dedicated nurse and took great pride in the care she provided to her patients. Olga retired in the early 2000’s, after 36+ years of service.

Olga was known for adding a healthy dose of compassion, dignity, reprimand and respect as her formula for life. If you knew Olga, she unabashedly spoke her mind. She was fiercely independent, counseled others that hard work should never deter you from your dreams and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She often gave homage to her mentors (Mama-ita, Aunt Hya and Aunt Pooler) and how they shaped her life, vision and faith.

In 2004, she and Joe decided to retire in Palm Coast, Florida to enjoy the warmer weather. Olga became a faithful member and was baptized at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. She was also very active as a member of the Caribbean community in Palm Coast.

Olga’s hobbies included cooking, entertaining, traveling and gardening. The kitchen was her happy place. She loved to cook and often treated guests to her creative dishes. Her great joy came from being with friends and family. She traveled throughout the Caribbean and across Europe, making many friends along the way. She had a great fashion sense and loved a good party. Her home was always welcoming. Her love of life, giving spirit and laughter will be missed.

Olga was preceded in death by husband Joseph Bridgewater and granddaughter, Roberta Ford.

Survivors include her children, Donna Bailey, Garyson Ford, Diann Ford Lewis (Vencent); Michelle Rodney and Araceli Jacobs; grandchildren, Paula Bailey, Akilah Lewis, Maya Lewis, Omari Lewis, Makayla Wilkinson, Miah Rodney, Subira Bridgewater, Shomari Bridgewater.

She is also survived by two sisters, Rosemarie Neunie of London, Pamella Lindo of Jamaica; brother Winston Pitter of New York and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends and neighbors. Lastly her loyal, loving and protective companion Ralphie.

A visitation for Olga will be held Monday, October 9, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, Florida 32136. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32137. An interment ceremony will occur Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Flagler Memorial Gardens, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, Florida 32136. Reception to follow at: Elite Ballroom, 515 Palm Coast Pkwy, SW, Suite 16, Palm Coast, FL 32137, from 2pm-5pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craigflaglerpalms.com for the Ford family.