Miriam M. Forney
BUSHKILL TOWNSHIP
Miriam M. Forney, 94, formerly of Bushkill Township, passed away peacefully in her apartment at Moravian Hall Square while in the care of her family and staff of Lehigh Valley Hospice on Tuesday, July 9, 2019.
Miriam was the wife of the late Charles B. Forney, with whom she shared 57 loving years of marriage prior to his passing in 2008. Born in Moore Township, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Lucy (Bauer) Meyer. A 1941 graduate of Nazareth High School, Miriam attended Penn State University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in home economics. Following a brief career in teaching home economics at East Cocalico Township High School in Lancaster County, Miriam served as home economist in Franklin County for the Agricultural Extension Service, where she met and eventually married her husband, Charles.
After her marriage in 1951, she remained at home to raise a daughter and son. Over the years, Miriam devoted her life to family, church and community. From 1954 to 1971, she lived in Bellefonte, where she was a member of the Presbyterian Church, participating in Women's Circle and teaching Sunday School. Additionally, Miriam served as president of the local chapter of Women's Club. In 1971, she and her family moved back to the family farm in Bushkill Township. A faithful and active member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Nazareth, she served on the counting committee, was a greeter, caregiver, and member of the Women's Association.
Miriam served as master, lecturer, chaplain and overseer of Star Grange, where she was a member since 1939. She chaired the State Grange cookbook committee. She was also a member of the Nazareth Women's Club, where she served as president, secretary and chair of hospitality, and was a member of Jacobsburg Historical Society, as well as Bethlehem Garden Club. In her youth, she was a 4-H Club member and later a leader. Miriam loved growing and arranging flowers, playing pinochle, and cheering on her alma mater, Penn State. Most of all, she loved engaging with people and leaves behind many friends of all ages.
Miriam is survived by a daughter, Susan J. Forney and her husband, Michael Harvey, of Harrisburg; son, Charles F. Forney and his wife, Jane, of Port Williams, Nova Scotia; six grandchildren, Andra Forney of Victoria, British Columbia, John Harvey and his spouse, Lex Cosenze, of Fort Washington, MD, Paul Forney and his spouse, Christine, of Petawawa, Ontario, Kevin Forney and his spouse, Annie, of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Thomas Harvey and his spouse, Sol Milagros, of Old Bridge, N.J., and Ellen Harvey of Philadelphia; two great grandchildren, Madelyn and Andrew; a sister-in-law, Mary Forney of Lancaster, and nieces and nephews. In addition to her late husband, Charles, Miriam was predeceased by a daughter, Ellen L. Forney.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 18, at 11 a.m., in St. John's United Church of Christ, 183 S. Broad Street, Nazareth, PA 18064. Friends and relatives are invited to call on Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., in the George G. Bensing Funeral Home, Inc., 2165 Community Drive, Route 946, Village of Moorestown - Bath, PA 18014, and Thursday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Moorestown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to St. John's United Church of Christ of Nazareth.
George G. Bensing Funeral Home
2165 Community Drive
Bath, PA 18014-9503
(610) 759-3901
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Family.
From all of us at Wind Gap Chevrolet Buick our hearts and thoughts go out to the Forney family at this time. We had the pleasure of knowing Miriam as a wonderful, long-time customer. She was very much so a ray of light in this world. Rest in peace, Miriam.
July 18, 2019
The world has lost a great person I am sorry to hear of her passing she will truly be missed. I'm sorry for your loss Susan and Charles
Jeff Klipple
July 16, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family at this sad hour. I know that your mom is now with our Lord in his heavenly kingdom awaiting the Great Reunion.
With kindest regards,
Bob Mulle
Robert Mulle
July 15, 2019
Dear Susan and Charles,
We are sorry to learn of the passing of your Mother. She was such a great friend of ours. She leaves a lot of fond memories. We are not able to attend the service on Thursday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss and grief.
Love,
Gerry and Don Seipt
July 14, 2019
Dear Susan and Charles,
July 14, 2019
The members of Lehigh-Northampton County Grange extend our sincere sympathies to Miriam's family. She will always be remembered fondly by her Grange family. "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant".
Lehigh-Northampton Cty. Grange
July 14, 2019
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FORNEY FAMILY. REST IN PEACE, MIRIAM
ST. JOHNS UCC
July 13, 2019
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF MY LONG TIME AND DEAREST FRIEND. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.
FLOYD SCHLEGEL
July 13, 2019
FORNEY FAMILY: DON'T CRY BECAUSE HER LIFE IS OVER. SMILE,BECAUSE IT WAS. DEEPEST SYMPATHY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.
STAR GRANGE,MOORESTOWN
July 13, 2019
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George G. Bensing Funeral Home, LLC2165 Community Drive, Bath, PA 18014-9503
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George G. Bensing Funeral Home, LLC2165 Community Drive, Bath, PA 18014-9503
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