Sophia "Sophie" Forrest

Sophia "Sophie" (Terzak) Forrest, 89, left this earth peacefully on Tuesday (April 16, 2002). She was sitting in her favorite chair in the warm sun, by the garden she so loved, crocheting an afghan. Sophie was the daughter of the late Rosalie and Basil Terzak, born in Hartford on November 14, 1912. She grew up in Hartford and New Britain and attended Morse College. Sophie was the loving wife of the late Walter F. Forrest; they were married on May 8, 1937. She was active in the East Hartford Republican town committee serving as secretary for many years, where she spent election days working in various capacities at the Polls. She also served in several positions at the Hillstown Grange, baking pies and breads for their fairs and dinners. Sophie was an active member of the Southend Seniors and also worked at East Hartford High School as a hallway monitor in her 70's and spent many mornings teaching students about the history of East Hartford. Sophie was an active communicant at St. Christopher's Catholic Church since its inception and a member of the choir for almost 40 years. Sophie is survived by her six sons and daughter-in-laws, Walter S. and Helene Forrest of East Hartford, Lawrence E. and Jo-Ann Forrest of Tolland, James K. and Elizabeth Forrest of Lebanon, Frank W. and Elizabeth Forrest of Glastonbury, Robert A. and Elizabeth of South Windsor, Thomas A. of East Hartford; and friend, Phyllis McQuade of Vernon; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Mary Ann Terzak of New Britain; a close nephew, Jerald Masco of Union; 16 grandchildren, Lisa Matthews of Portland, ME, Michelle DeDominicis, Eric Forrest, Paul Forrest, Stephanie Forrest, Frank Forrest, Jr., Steven Forrest, all of East Hartford, JoLynne Burlette of Manchester, Scot Forrest of Wolcott, Stacy LaClair of Tolland, Roxanne Houle of Vernon, Jessica Forrest-Grover of Columbia, Beth Forrest of Boston, MA, Rose Forrest-Podwojski of Maryland, Kyle Forrest of Glastonbury, and Kelly Forrest of South Windsor. Also a step grandson and step granddaughter; 15 great-grandchildren; and three step-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her husband and parents, Sophie is predeceased by her three sisters, Josephine Bemis, Stella Majesky and Ann Black. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 19, 9:15 a.m. from the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Christopher's Catholic Church, 538 Brewer St., East Hartford. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. The family will receive relatives and friends TODAY, Thursday, April 18, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Christopher's Catholic Church or charity of choice.