Jean Marie Forrester

1936 - 2026

WOODVILLE – Jean Marie Forrester, 89, died Feb. 14, 2026, at Samaritan Summit Village in Watertown, where she resided for approximately six years.

 

Jean was born on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1936, in Lorraine, second of six children of Glenn and Elsie (Hobbs) Dobbin. She graduated from Mannsville-Manor Central School and attended Jefferson Community College for business classes.

 

She married Dale Forrester on June 5, 1955. The marriage ended in divorce.

 

She and Dale operated a dairy farm on Route 3 near Woodville for many years. She also prepared income tax returns for many farmers and sold sweet corn to summer residents. Later, she worked for Alex Lyon & Son Auctioneers in Bridgeport, keeping books and managing sales. She also worked as a housekeeper and cook for Andrew McNally III on “La Duchesse,” a 106-foot houseboat that was docked at Wellesley Island on the St. Lawrence River. After retirement, she drove for the Volunteer Transportation Center Inc. She also served on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County board.

 

She took on any project with a casual demeanor and was successful, despite never really telling anyone if she had experience or not. She also rented the Henderson fire hall for Thanksgiving and Easter for family parties for several years, and they usually turned into community celebrations.

 

She is survived by seven children, Debra Forrester (David Elliott), Dawn Smith (Alan), Dennis (Cindy), Dale (Julie), Daryl (Mary), Deanne Gilligan (James), and David; a sister, Marilyn Forrester, and two brothers, Michael and Jerry; 21 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Those who preceded her in death include a daughter, Darlene, who died in infancy, and sisters Carol Summerville and Joyce Manning.

 

There will be no funeral or calling hours. Burial will be in Woodville Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at the family's convenience in the spring. Carpenter-Stoodley Funeral Home in Belleville is in charge of arrangements.

 

The family extends a special thank-you to the Samaritan Summit Village staff for the care given to Jean. Memorial donations may be made to the Volunteer Transportation Center Inc., 24685 State Route 37, Watertown, NY 13601.

 

Online condolences can be made at www.carpenterstoodley.com