Joan Forrest

Born in Long Island, New York to John Henry Savage and Rose Herbig Savage. She is survived by her husband John R. Forrest, and her children: Robert Forrest, Kelley Forrest Alzamora and Gerry Forrest, her brother John Savage, and her surrogate son from Brazil, Gilberto Andrade. Joan, lovingly known by her family as “Skippy,” also loved and adored 9 grandchildren, and recently welcomed a beautiful great granddaughter, who carries on her name. Just shy of 81, Joan lived a long and purposeful life; she obtained two AA degrees from Northwestern Connecticut Community College (one in Art Design and another in Photography) in Winsted, Connecticut and was a volunteer EMT in Winsted for 10 years, all after having been a highly successful mother to three children. Once having moved to Naples, Florida with her husband to be closer to her family, she spent another decade of her life as a volunteer to teach the Bone-Builder fitness class at the Golden Gate Community Center. In her spare time, Joan loved reading, filling in crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family. She possessed the enviable ability to play piano as well, a skill that she in fact passed on to one of her granddaughters. Not only was the piano part of her repertoire, but she could play the organ with the grace of an angel. Her life is an unadulterated display of unselfishness, purity, dedication, and love, and that’s always how she’ll be remembered.

Joan and her husband John Forrest would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on May 31st, 2019.

In our unending love for her, and in remembrance of her, we raise a proverbial toast to Skippy, who always brought us joy and never failed to give us “the utensils.”

Joan’s Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Elizabeth Seton church in Golden Gate on May 31st, 2019 at 9 am.