Obituary Announcement
Peacefully at Vision Nursing Home, Sarnia, Roma Dolores Forgues died on May 4, 2020 at the age of 87. Beloved wife for 59 years to the late Euclid Forgues (2012). Loving mother of Marla Kostis (George), Sarnia. Cherished grandmother of Shara, Aidan, Jade, Briar and Kelton, and great-grandmother of Zander, Ashton, Heath & Rayna. Dear sister of Betty, Bobby (Trudie), and Dianne (Larry). Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews on both the Laporte and Forgues’ side, and special aunt to Junior and Narda. Predeceased by her parents Arthur and Irene Laporte, her infant son Wayne, and her brother Darl Laporte (Madeleine). Roma grew up in Alexandria, Ontario, later moving throughout the province to Chesterville, Schreiber, Hearst and Kirkland Lake. She was a Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserves), and proudly obtained a Masters Degree in Education. She enjoyed her career as a secondary school teacher, describing herself as a “Teacher of English”, as opposed to an “English Teacher.” Her loss is deeply felt by family and friends who remember her for her great sense of humor, for the loving woman she was, and her beautiful smile. A lifelong learner, mid-career she earned the first university degree in the Laporte family. She put her heart into whatever she was involved in, including supporting her entire family, being there especially for all her grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, in particular Narda and Junior Blaauw. She excelled in her role as a high school business studies and student counselor, teacher and later as owner and manager of the Fashion Centre, Kirkland Lake. Committed to the Rotarian principles of service to community, she was gracious in her support to her husband Eucie, a past District Governor and lifelong Rotarian, and for providing a home to several rotary exchange students. A Canadian Forces reservist, she served from 1960 to 1968 with the SD&G Highlanders. An avid reader and traveler, Roma‘s creativity was apparent in her accomplished knitting and crocheting, for her beautiful desserts, and as the best poker player in the family. The family is grateful to the staff at Vision for their care and compassion, particularly Karin, Dave, Kerri and Lisa. She was so happy there! Arrangements have been entrusted to McCormack Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be sent to Pathways Centre for Children, Sarnia.
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My sincere condolences to the entire family of Aunt Roma. It is always difficult to sum up a lifetime within a few days and squeeze all those memories into a few paragraphs. With families being separated by different cities, provinces, and even oceans, it becomes an even more rare opportunity for children to experience the enrichment of extended family such as aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. I was fortunate enough to have experienced that unique relationship aunts and uncles provide, having lived with Aunt Roma and Uncle Eucie when we first came to Canada. Looking back at the much simpler times of childhood, I am blessed to cherish many fond memories. Aunts and Uncles have that comforting ability to offer a feeling of sanctuary when the world changes, and life becomes complicated. As Uncle Bobby mentioned, being the elders, they were always looked up to for their generosity and quiet wisdom. They were always there for whoever needed their help. Simple outings such as blueberry picking, or helping to decorate the massive two story Christmas tree that Uncle Eucie miraculously was able to get into the house on Macpherson, will never be forgotten. Memories of Aunt Roma’s unique collection of owls, and her ability to find or take the time to make treasured birthday gifts stay with me as well. They will be dearly missed.
Narda Blaauw
narda_blaauw@yahoo.ca
Our deepest condolences Marla and family, Dad, Aunt Betty and Aunt Dianne. Aunt Roma will be missed. Tony Laporte and family.
Tony Laportr
laportetony@hotmail.com
Our deepest condolences to the Forgues family.Mary and Roma and Euckie were very good friends in Chesterville. Sincerely,Mary,R.D.,Donna and Michael.
R.D. and Mary Chisholm
awolawol2002@yahoo.ca
Andre and I are so sorry for your loss.
Mary MacGregor
marymacplourde@gmail.com
Roma has been my big sister for almost 76 years. She was 11 years older than me. That was a huge span of time when I was a just a kid, but now, not so much. I have many fond memories of her when I was growing up and most of them involved Roma and Eucie together when they were both in high school. Eucie had a motorcycle in those days and our parents didn’t think much of that. They didn’t have to worry about Roma getting injured though, because I am quite sure she would never have gotten on it. They were truly a couple made for each other and destined to become the fine upstanding, successful people they turned out to be. They were well respected by all that knew them. Family or not, they took a genuine interest in helping people. They assisted many of us in making it through the usual trials and tribulations encountered when growing up. Sound advice was offered when they thought it was required, whether asked for or not. But, they also promised not to tell mom and dad! You may find the following story a bit hard to believe. One of the last times I was with Roma and Eucie is when Trudie and I visited them for a time in Sarnia. Eucie had a Rotary function to attend in Windsor and Roma and I went with him to keep him company. Eucie had to come looking for us in the casino when we failed to meet him at the arranged time. Well, maybe not that hard to believe! Roma handled Eucie’s passing with great strength. Suddenly it was no longer Roma and Eucie, the two together, something that took me a long time to get used to. In the later years our contact was mostly by phone on holidays and birthdays, but it was always good to hear her voice. She never failed to mention “the children”, hers and ours, when talking with us. She will be missed and long remembered by the Laportes in the west. Bob and Trudie
Bob Laporte
ralst3750@hotmil.com
Dear Dianne, My deepest condolences to you & your family with the loss of your dear oldest sister, Roma. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Love, Rosemary
Rosemary Sweetman
rsweetman@fredvictor.org