Alberta Lorraine Forst

Alberta Lorraine Forst, 80, passed away peacefully May 19, 2026 at her home in Fort Mill, SC. Born to the late Ferris and Dortha (nee Williams) Osborn on August 9, 1945. Alberta was the beloved wife of the late William Wolff Forst for 61 years who passed on January 11, 2026.

Loving mother to Dorothy (Christos) Shiakallis, Donald (Vivian) Forst, and Douglas (Toni Ward) Forst; dear grandmother to Hanna and Madelyn Shiakallis, Quinn Fang and Konstanze Forst; fond sister to Dodi Osborn, Myra (late David) Reed, Reva (late Stephen) Mitchell and late Susan Osborn; dear Sister-in-law to the late Fred (late Dianne) Forst, Richard (Margaret) Forst, Ken Forst, late Dawn (late Greg) Herbert, late Nancy (Tom) Krause, Dorothy Van Puyenbroeck, Ralph Forst, Susan (Jim) Fuller and fond aunt to many nieces and nephews. She will be missed dearly.

Alberta grew up in Marshfield, WI but then moved to Illinois at the age of 16. She found a position at Chicago Rawhide where she also met the love of her life, William W Forst. William proposed to Alberta at her Prom and were then married 2 years later and William joined the U.S. Air Force. After his service, they settled in Arlington Heights where she spent 40 years as a tax accountant. After 52 years in Arlington Heights, she and William made the move to Fort Mill, SC.

Alberta was born with a needle, thread and fabric in her hand. She was passionate about fabric and the art of quilting, although she was also an excellent seamstress. One Christmas when she was 7, there was not enough money for presents. Alberta decided to sew a present for each family member to have something to open on Christmas Day. Alberta made matching mother/daughter outfits, Halloween costumes, dresses for granddaughters, doll clothes. Later in life, Alberta started quilting and it became a real passion of hers. It was her goal to make as many quilts as possible and share her creations with friends and family.

Alberta came from multiple generations of educators. She enjoyed teaching others, whether tutoring, sewing/quilting, reading, baking and even taxes. She possessed great patience and enjoyed seeing others learn and relish in their accomplishments.

Alberta enjoyed camping and hiking. The early camping years were less comfortable in a tent, followed by a pop-up trailer. As retirees, they finally purchased a full-size camper, which is how she enjoyed the outdoor life best. Many miles, oodles of s’mores, hikes and great memories were made along the way.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Morning visitation will follow on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Wayside, 434 W. Park St., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at church. Entombment at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, Palatine, IL and a luncheon will follow.