Renee Boosinger Forbes

1953 - 2014

RENE BOOSINGER FORBES

October 18, 2014

Rene lost her courageous war against the all-consuming effects of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Unfortunately she suffered from the most aggressive symptoms and survived just seven months after being diagnosed with this most despicable and terminal disease.

She was truly a completely honorable person to the end. She never complained or assumed any expectations of anyone's attempts to help her. She devotedly loved her family and friends and appreciated all the support shown to her during this arduous ordeal. As a registered nurse for forty years she was looking out for everyone---except herself. She also knew minute by minute the creeping onset of destruction ALS renders upon its victim. The courage she displayed throughout the last months has been an inspiration to us all. She was truly a brave soul.

Rene was born in Akron, Ohio to Francis Arlene Klink Boosinger and James William Boosinger on June 4, 1953. She grew up in the small village of Brimfield, Ohio, where she attended elementary and secondary schools. In 1973 her family moved to SW Florida.

Rene earned her registered nursing certification in 1974 from Edison Community College. She worked as an on-staff nurse for a short time in the Lee Memorial Health System and later worked at SW Regional Hospital for a few years.

In the late 1970's Rene took a position at the Miami Heart Institute in the Cardiology post-surgery trauma ward. She often said it was very rewarding to be involved in the early "pioneering" days of open heart surgery. After several years of working under of that type of pressure and stress she branched out again with her RN experience.

In the fall of 1979 Rene applied for and got a position as a medical officer with the Norwegian Cruise Lines (RN 15t Lieutenant civilian Merchant Marine Grade). She thoroughly enjoyed her three- year experience with NCL. She sailed the Caribbean out of Miami and San Diego frequenting both sides of South America from the Atlantic to the Pacific. She logged thousands of sea miles while nursing and caring for "cruising" patients with medical needs. Rene could entertain you for hours with her stories from her time at sea.

In the early 1990's she worked for the Florida Department of Corrections as a medical jail inspector covering the territory from Sebring to Key West. Once again there were many exciting stories.

In the late 1990's Rene entered the home healthcare industry as a case manager. She loved the one- on-one contact with her patients and took their welfare very seriously; she always gave her very best efforts to nurse them back to health. Her one hope was that she made a positive difference in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her father James Boosigner. She is survived by her devoted husband David R. Forbes, her mother Arlene Carpenzano, her son Eric T. Boosinger, her brother Richard Boosinger (Brenda), Devoted mother-in-law Marion K. Forbes. She will be terribly missed by all but her caring spirit will remain with us forever.

May she rest in peace in the hands of god for eternity.

Memorial Service and Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, November 1 at 3:00PM at Faith Assembly Church South Campus 6950 Bayshore Road North Fort Myers.