Villagers said she was a regular at the church and often tended its gardens, paying special attention to the peach roses growing outside the entrance.
Mrs Ford had lived in the village for about 10 years, having moved there from the Isle of Wight.
She came to Flamstead to be near her family and was offered one of the four almshouses, which were built in the 1600s.
The almshouses are run by a trust and are for people who have local connections and need affordable housing.