Anna M. (Dinsdale) Refford

Anna M. Refford, 89, of Ephrata, PA, formerly of Downingtown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23rd, 2020, at the Ephrata Community Hospital.

Anna was the daughter of the late George S. Dinsdale Sr. and Bessie Stanley Dinsdale. Anna and her siblings were raised in very humble surroundings during the Great Depression. Times were tough, but Anna persevered. 

She married Donald W. Refford of Coatesville at the East Brandywine Baptist Church on July 2nd, 1955. The young couple lived in the Coatesville area until 1964 when they moved to Downingtown with their growing family. She built a loving home on a beautiful wooded hillside above Brandywine Creek, where she lived for 38 years. In 2002, Anna moved to a subdivision in Morgantown after her children grew up, were married, and moved away. In 2019 she relocated to Keystone Villa in Ephrata, where she resided at the time of her passing. Anna and Donald Refford were married for 64 years before Donald passed away on January 19, 2020.

Born and raised in Lionville and Milford Mills, PA, Anna attended Downingtown schools, graduating from Downingtown Senior High School in 1950. Known as “Dinny” to her classmates, Anna loved her “Problems of Democracy” class, and was quick to express her opinions throughout her long life. Anna was employed at Pepperidge Farms in Downingtown for 28 years until she retired in 1994.

Anna prized the rock garden that lined the hills that surrounded her house. She enjoyed cooking for her family on Thanksgiving and Christmas. She especially loved Christmas. Anna was generous, kind and thoughtful, and her love was unconditional. Most importantly, she welcomed everyone into her home. She shared her table, her food, her heart and her warmth. 

Anna is survived by her beloved sister Jennie Dinsdale Rhoads of Chesapeake City, Maryland. She was preceded by her brothers James Dinsdale and George S. Dinsdale Jr, and Morris Ferguson, and sister Virginia Ferguson Dawson.

She is survived by three sons: Steven Refford of Lititz, Dr. Brian Refford of Hershey, Eric Refford of Coatesville; two daughters, Gail Peck of Morgantown and Michelle Raymond of Morgantown; seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The Refford family cannot begin to express how much we will miss our mother Anna. But we also know that she led a wonderful life and we celebrate her life and will continue her loving legacy in all that we do.

A Graveside service is planned for 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at East Brandywine Baptist Church Cemetery in Downingtown.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page.

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