Doreen M. Forsman

A loving mother and grandmother, and an avid gardener, her joys were her family and home. A painter and a skilled knitter, her home was filled with art and creative works. Her love of Asian culture inspired her to design and create her own Japanese garden at home, each stone and planting lovingly placed with her own hands. She loved music, and it filled the air of her home. Open-minded and compassionate, she was committed to being informed and even at an advanced age took an active interest in current events.

Born in Wales, U.K., she was one of six siblings. She graduated Teacher Training College in Essex County, England, where her family had relocated to follow her father’s career. After graduating, she taught at the village school until meeting and marrying the love of her life, a handsome American airman stationed at a nearby base.

Her extraordinary life spanned living through WWII as a child in the U.K., to a joyful marriage as a U.S. military wife enjoying unique experiences and world travel. She knew first-hand the sacrifices of Service Members and had great pride in her late husband’s career. She and her husband, my father, had a true romance; they were soul mates. Now, after many, many years apart since his passing they are at last reunited, happy and free.

She is preceded in death by her dearly loved parents and five siblings, and by her cherished husband, U.S. Air Force Major General Bill Forsman Ret.

She is survived by her daughter, Gloria; grandson, Nicholas; and granddaughter, Mia. She filled our lives with her love, her generous spirit, and her grace. Her passing is an immense loss.

As we grieve her passing, we take comfort in her favorite Welsh song, “All Through The Night” (Ar Hyd y Nos), written here in the version my family always sang: