Jean Forte

Jean was born October 20, 1926, in New York City to John and Isabella Macfie, the sixth of ten children. Her early years unfolded in the Flatbush section of the Bronx—where she attended PS 119—and along the peaceful shores of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. She returned to New York City as a young adult and worked as a catalog model for Montgomery Ward’s, where her beauty and elegance shined.

She met Jerome Arthur “Jerry” Forte in New York City when he returned home after VE Day in World War II while visiting his parents. It was love at first sight. On their very first date, they listened to Billie Holiday live and danced the night away sparking a romance and marriage that would last for more than sixty‑nine years.

Jerry served as a bombardier-navigator in the Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II. After a two-year courtship, Jean and Jerry were married on August 24, 1947. When he was called up again during the Korean Conflict, Jean embraced life as the wife of a career Air Force officer, moving with him from New York; to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; to Nellis AFB, Las Vegas; to Goose Air Base, Labrador; to Ent AFB, Colorado Springs; and to Vandenberg AFB, California—before they returned to Colorado Springs to retire in 1968. Jerry passed into the arms of Jesus on February 18, 2017, but the love they shared endures.

Jean raised six children—Sharon, Jerome Jr., Debra, Patricia, John, and Michelle—leaving a foundation for a vibrant trust in God. She believed in each one of them, offering encouragement and unwavering support for their interests. Jean prayed faithfully for all her children and grandchildren throughout their lives. She filled her home with song as she went about her chores.

Jean loved leading Girl Scout troops, crafting school projects, composing playful verses, and caring for her family. A voracious reader and lifelong Broncos fan, she brightened every room with her laughter and song. From 1961 until her passing, Jean was an active member of Divine Redeemer Catholic Church. After a life-changing encounter with the Lord in 1975, she devoted herself to the Charismatic Renewal movement. Prayer and singing were her daily practice and the steady heartbeat of her life. Together with her beloved husband, they led worship for their prayer group for many years.

Jean’s daughter Patty and her husband Jim relocated from Seattle, Washington, so Jean could remain at home while they lovingly cared for her over six years. When her dementia progressed, she moved into a memory-care home in Colorado Springs, where during her final two years she bore her illness with remarkable grace. Even there, she brightened the days of staff and fellow residents—bringing comfort and friendship right up to the end.

Jean is survived by her six children, sixteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren, all heirs to her legacy of faith, kindness, and optimism. We give thanks for her life and pray that her example will encourage us to seek joy, extend grace, and welcome each new day with hope. Today, she has heard those words from her beloved Savior: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, now I will make you ruler over much—enter into the joy of the Lord.”

Jean will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Jerry, at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you honor Jean by keeping her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren in your prayers.