Mary Abigail (Ford) Hashmi, 77, of Simsbury, beloved wife of 40 years to the late Dr. Ali Imran Hashmi, died Saturday, June 1, 2019, at her home. She was born in Hartford on July 4, 1941, daughter of the late William and Anna (Blesso) Ford and had lived in Simsbury for 45 years. Mary was a graduate of New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1964, having received her RN, and of Central Connecticut State University, Class of 1977, having received her Bachelors Degree in Sociology & Psychology. Mrs. Hashmi was a head nurse on the intensive care unit at St. Francis Hospital and office manager at East Side Chest Physicians for many years prior to her retirement. She was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Simsbury, an active member of the PTO at Tootin’ Hills, Henry James, and Simsbury High School, and a Girl Scout leader. In 1986, Mary co-founded Project Outreach at Tootin’ Hills Elementary School, a charitable program that still runs today and has received national recognition.  She was a member of the Steering Committee for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth, Simsbury Citizens for Quality Education, and the Connecticut Youth Forum, always supporting celebrations of diversity and interfaith understanding. Mary received a Hometown Hero Award from the Town of Simsbury in recognition of her many volunteer efforts.  She was active in her church, enjoyed volunteering, gardening, telling stories, and traveling, especially to the beach. Most of all, Mary spent her time, caring for, enjoying, helping, and loving her family and close friends.

She is survived by her children, Ali Hashmi, Jr. and his wife Kristin of North Granby, Sara Hashmi of New Haven, Christopher Harper and his wife Kecia of San Diego, Jonathan Harper and his wife Saba of Sweden; her brother, William “Bill” Ford of Wethersfield and her sister Carol Ford of Rocky Hill; her grandchildren, Anderson, Maxwell and Winston Harper of San Diego and Zoe Harper of Sweden.

Her family will receive friends at Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Thursday, June 6th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Friday, June 7th at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road in West Simsbury. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield. Memorial donations in Mary’s name may be made to Simsbury Social Services, attention Community For Care.