With their great sense of loss the family announces the passing of Mary Viola (Vi) Forrest, beloved wife of Lloyd H. Forrest, formerly of Carter’s Point, New Brunswick, which occurred on Friday, January 23, 2015 at the Church of St. John and St. Stephen Home in Saint John, New Brunswick, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 7, 1930 in Blackville, New Brunswick, daughter of the late William T. MacKenzie and the late Alice Mary (Colford) (MacKenzie) Curtis.
Just after the war, Vi married Lloyd and they moved into one of the “war houses” in the Portland Place area of Saint John where she became a full time mother to four children. She faithfully attended the Church of St. John & St. Stephen and belonged to the “Mother’s Club” spending many happy hours volunteering at their numerous events. She also enjoyed “Headstart”, working with children and their parents. Vi loved the summer months with her family in the cottage at Carter’s Point. In 1979 she and Lloyd moved to the Kingston Peninsula and with their free time went on a number of War Amps trips overseas and to other parts of Canada. Viola enjoyed those trips immensely and always looked forward to the next one. Many years ago she belonged to the Orange Lodge (L.O.B.A.) and later joined the War Amps Ladies’ Auxiliary. Her favourite pastimes were baking, reading, crossword puzzles, knitting, going to bingo and shopping.
Vi was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister who had a genuine smile and easy laughter for all. She will be greatly missed by Lloyd, having celebrated sixty-seven years of marriage and forever remembered by her children, Sharon (Hal) Mawhinney of Clarendon, New Brunswick, Bob (Liz) of Damascus, New Brunswick, Beth (Kenny) Raynes of Carter’s Point, New Brunswick and Jim (Linda) of Dutch Settlement, Nova Scotia; eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Jeffrey (Melissa), Michael (Erin), Jason (Alicia), Kristi, Matthew (Robyn), Rebecca and Patrick and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Artie (Mae), Omer (Lilah), Allan (Joan), all residing in the Miramichi, sister-in-law, Tirza of Ontario, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her only sister, Georgina (MacKenzie) (Walls) Curtis, her brother, William and sister-in-law, Irene.
The family wishes to extend their sincere, heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at the Church Home for the extra thoughtfulness, compassion and excellent care given to their mother, especially over the past few weeks.
Resting at Grace Presbyterian Church, 101 Coburg Street, Saint John, New Brunswick with visitation on Monday, January 26, 2015 from 12:30 – 1:45 PM and will be immediately followed by the Funeral Service, at 2:00 PM. A private family interment will take place at a later time. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, New Brunswick (634-7424).
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the War Amps – CHAMPS Program, Church of St. John & St. Stephen Home or to the Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue. On-line condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.
“Nothing on earth can make up for the loss of one who has loved you.” Selma Lagerlof