Theresa J LaForest

Theresa Jeanne LaForest, also known as “Giggles” and “Sunshine”, passed away Friday, July 3, 2015 at the age of 88. Theresa loved to laugh, sing, play cards and take on adventure. She especially enjoyed dancing and regularly attended the Sun City dances. Her kindness, enthusiasm and warm spirit touched the lives of everyone she met.

Theresa was born Nov. 2, 1927 to William and Alvina Lanoue of North Adams, MA where she grew up as the youngest of eight children: Lawrence, Arthur, Leo, Rita, Viola, Ernie and Norman. She graduated from Notre Dame School in North Adams in 1944 and married James Robert LaForest in 1948. They remained happily married until his death in 1995. In 1977, the LaForests moved from Williamstown, MA to Phoenix, AZ and then to Sun City, AZ in 1992.

Theresa is survived by her brother Norman Lanoue and his wife Penny of Grand Junction, CO, her three children: Henry LaForest and his wife Kristin of Spokane, WA; Stephen LaForest and his wife Margie of Cave Creek, AZ; and Aimee Washburn and her husband Brad of Santa Cruz, CA. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Erika, Kevin (and Lemandy), Brian (and Christine), Nicholas, Sarah, Christopher and Zachary; and her great granddaughter Olivia. She will be dearly missed.

Theresa was a member of the American Legion, the Elks and the Solo Spouse Group. She was also a woman of devout faith in God and dedicated parishioner of the Catholic Church. Services will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 9728 W Palmeras Drive, Sun City, AZ on Tuesday, July 14 at 10 a.m., followed by an internment at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 Del Webb Blvd. Memorial donations may be sent to Hospice of the Valley (www.hov.org).