Rachel A. Forbes

In Loving Memory of Rachel Anna Forbes

June 12, 1934 – September 28, 2025

Rachel Anna Forbes (née Hedlund) was born on June 12, 1934, in Clatskanie, Oregon, to Daniel and Eva Marie Hedlund. From her earliest days, Rachel's world was filled with family-cousins, aunts, uncles-and the animals she adored, including a beloved cocker spaniel and even a pet chicken. Those early years shaped the gentle, curious, and spirited person she would become.

When Rachel was just five, her father passed away unexpectedly after an accident-a loss that changed the course of her young life. Her mother returned to teaching in Mayger, Oregon, and Rachel was cared for by her aunt during the school day. In time, her mother remarried William Bryant, a commercial fisherman, and the family moved to Longview, Washington.

Rachel graduated from R.A. Long High School and soon after took a job in a dental office. It was during this time that she met fellow R.A. Long graduate Jim Forbes. The two were married in 1956 and settled in Vancouver, Washington, where Rachel worked for the local telephone company and Jim later became a longshoreman at the Port of Vancouver.

Rachel and Jim long hoped to become parents, and their dreams were fulfilled with the arrivals of daughters Annette in 1962 and Lynda in 1965. Rachel embraced motherhood wholeheartedly. She stepped away from work to devote herself to raising her girls, pouring her energy, creativity, and unwavering love into their upbringing. She created joyful family traditions-holiday decorations, special meals, and countless shared moments that became treasured memories. Rachel was always in motion, always at the ready, and always her daughters' fiercest advocate.

She instilled in Annette and Lynda a deep belief in their own abilities, reminding them often, "Don't forget! You are a tough cookie!" Her encouragement was constant, her optimism steady, and her guidance a lasting gift.

Long before the internet put information at our fingertips, Rachel stayed remarkably informed about the world. She was an avid reader with a wide range of interests, and there seemed to be no topic she couldn't speak to. Despite the hardships she faced-losing her father so young and navigating life's many challenges-she never lost her sense of fun, her hopefulness, or her sunny outlook. Only her deep concern for the safety of her loved ones could cloud that brightness, sparking protective reminders that became a cherished family joke: beware of sneaker waves at the beach, rip currents while swimming, and absolutely no eating raw cookie dough!

After retirement, Rachel and Jim enjoyed traveling the world together, often with close friends, collecting memories for a number of years. When Jim passed away in 2012, Rachel carried on with resilience and grace.

As Rachel's health declined, Lynda devoted herself to her mother's care with love, patience, and steadfast commitment. Rachel passed away peacefully on September 28 at Ray Hickey Hospice House, surrounded by the care and compassion that she had so freely given to others throughout her life.

Rachel's wisdom was one of her greatest gifts. She was a trusted confidante, a gentle guide, and a source of comfort to her daughters. But the role she cherished most was that of Grandma. When her only granddaughter, Natalie, was born in 1995, Rachel once again embraced caregiving with joy-spending her days teaching, encouraging, and nurturing. Her influence on Natalie's life was profound, from early childhood through graduate school, and those lessons, stories, and words of encouragement will endure through the generations.

Rachel leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her girls-Annette, Lynda, and Natalie, their partners, Andrew, Mac and Clay-will carry her wise words, her optimism, and her boundless care forward always.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.