Deborah Lynn Forese
March 27, 1970 - January 22, 2023
Deborah (Deb) Forese, 52, died on the morning of January 22nd after a grueling but valiant battle with cancer. Much to her disappointment, an allergy to marijuana made it all the more difficult. That and having, "the worst luck ever."
Born and bred in Washington, CT, Deb was a 1988 graduate of Shepaug Valley High School who went on to build a jill-of-all-trades service empire from the ground up. Emerging as a bridge between area natives, and the tidal wave of New Yorkers who made the pine-crowned hills their new home, she took great pride in her profession.
Deb was an irreplaceable asset to the community, often the first-person area charities called when they needed something special. She volunteered with the Lion's Club and played an active role in the Washington Ambulance Association for 30 years.
Trips to Yankee Stadium, duckpin bowling at the Elks Lodge #372, playing golf "badly" she admitted – once a year, and excursions to Costco brought her much joy. She was especially grateful for the unconditional love of her companion animal Allie and the relationships she forged on the co-ed softball diamond. She found ecstasy in cashmere sweaters, her annual trips to Key West, the Big E, and the combination of pumpkin and chocolate.
An avid reader, expert whistler, chicken farmer, and cross-country traveler, Deb carried the strength, determination, and know-how of 10 good men - combined. Direct to a fault, she despised ignorance, cigarettes, and anyone else in the driver's seat (literally and metaphorically). Her regrets were few but included not having enough time to fulfill her dream of working exclusively with dogs and horses.
Extremely resourceful, there was no arena she could not master – except tact. She was known, on occasion, to alienate even her closest friends before pulling them back with great affection and stupendous generosity. She embodied confidence, selflessness, attentiveness, and a supernatural work ethic. As an EMT, volunteer, caregiver, caretaker, caterer, or dog sitter, she prioritized love through nurturing the stewardship of everyone and everything around her.
She leaves behind an impressive collection of mementos, memorabilia, and a few resentments. If you owed her money, rest assured that she passed away holding you accountable for your transgression (regardless of whether she got around to billing you). And, if you were one of the many psychics she consulted with over the decades, there is no forgiving the absolute oversight in failing to predict her untimely death.
Deb was predeceased by her beloved black lab McGee and grandparents Nancy Kane Forese, Louis Forese, and Madeline Cherniske Lyons. She is survived by her mother Sandra M. Forese, father Vincent L. Forese, and his partner Eunice Anderson, brother Vincent W. Forese, sister-In-law Tracy, and their children Julia Forese and Michael Forese.
May her meticulously crafted fusion of sarcasm, strong opinions and brazen profanity forever hang over Litchfield County. In lieu of flowers please donate to The Elks Lodge in Torrington, CT, Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah, or The New Preston (CT) Women's Club. At her request, no service will be held. A memorial date will be set and published at a later time.