People’s Party of Canada candidate Renata Ford stands in her campaign office in Etobicoke, Ont., on Sept. 11, 2019. The Canadian Press/Chris Young
Renata Ford, the widow of former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and sister-in-law to Premier Doug Ford, has died at the age of 55.
The premier confirmed the news of Renata Ford’s death in a brief statement on July 6. The cause of death has not been released.
She is survived by her two children, Stephanie, 20, and Douglas, 18.
The premier is requesting privacy for the children and the rest of the family during their time of grief.
“My heart breaks for Stephanie and Dougie,” Doug Ford said. “They’ve been through so much at such young ages, and losing their mom is incredibly painful.”
Renata Ford’s death comes 10 years after her husband succumbed to a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as pleomorphic liposarcoma at the age of 46. The pair, who met in high school, were married for nearly 16 years until his death on March 22, 2016.
Renata Ford was a candidate for the People’s Party of Canada in the 2019 federal election in Etobicoke. She finished in fourth place behind the Liberal, Conservative, and NDP candidates.
Her run for office took place during her $15 million lawsuit against her two brothers-in-law Doug Ford and Randy Ford. She claimed they had improperly managed family assets and the estate of their late brother, causing financial harm to her and her two children—allegations Doug Ford has denied.
The Ontario Liberal Party extended condolences to the premier and the Ford family in a July 6 social media statement.
“We are thinking of them during this difficult time and wish them strength and comfort in the days ahead,” the party said on X.
Mark Towhey, Rob Ford’s chief of staff during his tenure as mayor, expressed sorrow about Renata’s death in a late night X post.
“Saddened to learn of the passing of Renata Ford,” he wrote. “Thinking of her children, Stephanie and Doug, at this difficult time. Hoping they’re well.”
Stephanie Ford studies political science and philosophy at York University. She was named to the Ontario PC Party’s executive committee in February and is listed as the ninth vice-president on the party’s website.
She has interned for York Centre MPP Michael Kerzner at the Ministry of the Solicitor General since last year.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
