Shirley M. Forest

Shirley M. Forest, a beacon of love and faith, passed gently from this world on September 24, 2024, in Sunrise of Lower Makefield, Yardley, PA.

Born on May 9, 1926, in Springfield, MA, she exemplified a life rich in devotion to her family and unwavering commitment to her faith. Shirley's journey was characterized by a deep-rooted affection for the Catholic Church, where she served as an extraordinary minister of holy communion at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the walls of her beloved church, as she dedicated herself to teaching CCD at St. Cecelia's Church in Massachusetts, guiding the youth in their spiritual journeys. 

Always concerned about others, Shirley enjoyed working with the “meals on wheels” program delivering food to those in need.  An embodiment of vigor, Shirley reveled in life's simple pleasures. She found joy in playing softball and tennis, embracing the camaraderie and competition these sports offered. As an artist, her soul danced on canvas, expressed through the soft brushstrokes of her watercolor paintings, where she captured the beauty of the world around her. 

In the tapestry of her life, Shirley wove together a rich familial legacy. She is survived by her loving sons, Mark Joseph Forest and Joe Enuco of New Hope, PA; Michael Joseph Forest and Nancy Forest of Roanoke, VA; John Joseph Forest of Los Angeles, CA; and her daughters, Diane Marie Forest of Allentown, PA; Theresa Marie Kielar and Gregory Kielar of Quakertown, PA; and Kathleen Marie Beagle of Yardley, PA. Each of her 22 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, her one great-great-grandchild, her brother and sister-in law Robert "Bob" and Alice Bourbeau of Lake Mary, FL, and many nieces and nephews holds within their hearts the cherished memories of her warm embrace and guiding wisdom. Shirley was preceded in death by her wonderful husband George J. Forest; her father, Robert Bourbeau; her mother, Gladys Robbins; her sister, Beverly Nelson; her son-in-law Harry Jr.; and her granddaughter Sarah Ervin, who all left an indelible mark on her life, nurturing the virtues she so gracefully imparted onto others.

A visitation will be held in her honor on September 30, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church 752 Big Oak Road in Morrisville, PA, from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM. This will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial commencing at 10:30 AM, culminating in her interment at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Yardley, PA, at 11:45 AM. As we celebrate the life of Shirley M. Forest, we remember not only her steadfast love and piety but also the legacy of kindness and compassion that she leaves behind—a testament to a life beautifully lived and devoted to the grace of God and family.