Katherine A. Forrest

Our beloved mother, Katherine Ann "Kathie" Forrest, age 82 passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter John Forrest; infant son, Walter Scott Forrest; mother, Josephine (Spalla) Mancuso Roach; stepfather Thomas Roach; father Alfred Mancuso; and nephew, Eric McLaughlin.
She is survived by her children, Sharon Robb (Robert), Stacie Pope (Eugene), and Stephanie Forrest; her grandchildren, Henry Robb (Jessica), Luke Robb (Anna), Oliver Robb, and Nial Yavuzturk; and her great-grandchildren Isla Robb and Emerson Robb.
Also surviving are her sisters, Jeanne McLaughlin (Ed) and Alfie Quaglia (Robert); brother-in-law, David Forrest (Barbara); and her dear nieces and nephews and their families: Leigh Anne Saunders (Forrest), Wes Forrest, Michael Ferguson, Mark Ferguson, Eddie Sean McLaughlin, and Amy McLaughlin.
Born in Pittsburgh in 1943, Kathie graduated from Wilkinsburg High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Walter Forrest, at St. James Church, and together they put down roots in Monroeville, where she lived since 1966 and built a life filled with friendship and community.
Known for her signature updo, her warm presence, and her deep love of all things July 4th, Kathie had an unmatched gift for organization and event planning. She served as a leader in many organizations and was honored as Woman of the Year by the Monroeville Jaycees in 1981.
Kathie devoted herself to service throughout her life. She volunteered with the Garden City Woman's Club, East Suburban (Forbes) Hospital Auxiliary, supported the Monroeville Blue Flames, and served on the Monroeville Hospital Authority, Monroeville Water Authority, and Monroeville Library Board. She was a devout catholic and dedicated member of St. Bernadette Church, contributing to the Christian Mothers, social events, and the beloved Lenten Bake Sale.
Her favorites, however, were always the Monroeville July 4th Parade Committee-on which she served for over 30 years and her cherished role as chairperson for the Monroeville's Miss Independence committee, a joyful title she held for 22 years.
Her work included roles at the family business, Forrest Fire Equipment, and at Gateway to Monroeville magazine (now IN Monroeville), but her favorite job was her very first at Joseph Horne's Hair Salon in Pittsburgh.
Kathie missed Walt deeply since his passing and often spoke of meeting her infant son Walter Scott, who passed within a day of birth. Although she will be missed beyond measure, we find comfort in knowing she is reunited with them now.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who offered their love, support, prayers, visits, and time during her battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, Kathie requested that memorial contributions be made to St. Bernadette Church-Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, located at 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Friends will be received Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC. (MONROEVILLE/PLUM CHAPEL) 445 Beatty Road, Monroeville (412-856-4747). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernadette Church-Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish. Burial will follow at Good Shepherd Cemetery. www.jobefuneralhome.com
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