Mary Ford Lippmann Regier

is honored with a Brick from Mrs. Marylin Werschky.

Mary Ford Lippmann Regier
WSU Class of 1932

My aunt, Mary Ford Lippmann Regier, has to be listed among my lifelong heroines. I purchased a brick in the Plaza of Heroines to honor her and to let her know that it has been an honor to be her niece for over 60 years. I recently discovered that the Mary in my name, Marylin, was for her. In addition to being my aunt, she has been a wife, mother, grandmother and community volunteer.

Mary Ford was born January 15, 1910 in Augusta, Arkansas. Her family moved to Wichita when she was five years old. She attended Park Grade School, Central Junior High and graduated from East High School in 1928. Following high school, she attended the Municipal University of Wichita, graduating in 1932 with a degree in Physical Education. Mary Ford was a member of Pi Kappa Psi sorority. She served terms as Freshman Class Vice President, Vice President of Pi Kappa Psi, Secretary and President of the Women's Athletic Association and as a member of Rooters Club and Pep Committee.

On October 26, 1935, she married E. Milton Regier. They have a daughter, Jane Catherine Harrington and a granddaughter, Erica Leigh Harrington of No. Kingstown, RI. The Regiers resided in Manhattan, KS, Wilmington, DE and Westwood, MA.

When I think of my Aunt Mary Ford, I remember the clothing items she made and knitted for my brother and me as we were growing up. She and our wonderful Uncle Milt were always so kind to us. The year after I graduated from college, she, Uncle Milt and Cousin Jane took me on an auto trip from Wichita back to their home in Westwood, MA. It was a wonderful trip and one I shall never forget because of the visits to so many historic sites I have never had the chance to see again, including my only visit, to date, to New York City.

Mary Ford has always had a cute giggle along with her acquired New England accent. She and my mother, Virginia Lippmann Hough, were very close when growing up. Mary Ford's older sister, Catherine Lippmann Dumarese and her younger sister, Virginia, are both deceased.

Mary Ford's hobbies over the years have included curling, bowling, golf, bridge and knitting. In her community she has participated as a Red Cross volunteer helping with blood drives, knitted afghans for a Veteran's Hospital, held various offices in the Westwood Women's Club and been a member of the Birch Tree Drive Club and the Dorcas Women of the Baptist Church.

Mary Ford concluded the journey of her life on June 10, 2000. She died in Westwood, MA at the age of 90 .

submitted by Marylin Hough Werschky

October 30, 1999