Elaine Marie (Phillips) Ford passed away at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital after a courageous battle with diabetes, on Tuesday, November 18, 2008. She was 58 years of age. Elaine was raised in East Boston, graduated from East Boston High School in 1968 and from Salem State College in 1972. She worked for East Boston Savings Bank as a teller and in various other departments for 35 years. Elaine also worked as a substitute elementary school teacher in Melrose for 3 years. She was a gourmet cook, loved to read, enjoyed riding on motorcycles and watching the food network. Elaine was a longtime member of St. Mary's Church where she taught CCD for several years. She was the loving wife of Leonard J. "Lenny" Ford. Devoted mother of Joshua P. Ford of Melrose & Daniel A. Ford of Whitleyville, TN. Cherished daughter of Florence (Letterie) Phillips of Melrose and the late Edward Phillips. Loving sister of Joyce Phillips of Melrose. Also survived by numerous relatives & friends. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Monday, Nov. 24th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Sunday from 2-6PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St # 501, Boston, MA 02210.