Michele Joy Forster (nee Woodward), April 15, 1956 – January 2, 2022
A Dedication by her Children
With deep sadness we say goodbye to our mother, Michele Forster (nee Woodward), who passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 2, 2022, surrounded by her loving husband and children. She fought courageously against cancer for the past year, always keeping a positive spirit and keeping everyone that she loved smiling despite her struggle.
Happily married to Martin Forster for 47 years. Loving mother of Carling (Mike) Metsala and Ryan (Sarah) Forster. Michele showed unbreakable devotion and love as a daughter, wife, mother, sister, friend, and above all as a Nana. Many who met her quickly became friends. Her warmth and love were contagious.
As the child of a Navy officer, mom lived from coast to coast in Canada, but proudly identified as an East-coaster – being born in Nova Scotia. It was there that she met her best friend Judy, and the friendship became life-long when they found themselves moving close to each other in the Niagara Region. Michele and Judy remained close as they raised their families together, sharing countless beautiful memories along the way.
In her teenage years mom met dad, and they became inseparable. Together they built a family and a legacy of love that continues to live on. As a mother she gave every bit of her love. Her and dad were there at baseball games, swim lessons, and birthday parties. But more than anything, she was there when we needed her most: to reassure, to wipe away tears, to lift us up and inspire us.
Mom and Dad did everything together. From grocery shopping and local hikes to grand adventures, they were never apart. Always holding hands and sneaking a kiss. The definition of true love. Throughout their marriage mom and dad travelled around the world: doubling on a moped across Bermuda; hiking the coastline trails of Hawaii; outrunning water buffalo in Vietnam; sipping cocktails in Singapore; soaring in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon. Travel was their passion.
We never saw mom smile as much as when she had her grandkids with her. They became her world. Summer pool swims, ice cream treats and sleepovers became the highlight of their visits with Nana. She wanted them to have everything, especially fun. Nana will be dearly missed by her grandkids Aubree, Lauren, Sam and Hannah.
Predeceased by her father Robert. Though he left this world so long ago, she reminisced often and lovingly about her time with him. Mom also shared a loving relationship with her mother Joanne, eventually moving her into their home to give her the care she needed. Being able to share so many great moments with four generations under one roof was truly a gift.
Predeceased by brother Mike (Julie). Mom will be deeply missed by her brothers Derek (Kelly) and Paul (Charlene), and her nieces and nephews as well. She kept family close, no matter how far away they lived or how a busy life made visits scarce at times. She always made time at every opportunity to spend with family and made every event into a special occasion.
Among those closest to her were her work family at VandenDool Jewelers, where she spent 20 years. True friendships were formed there. She was very proud of her work. We are grateful for all the love and support she received from the VandenDool family and friends. Her time there was her connection to a broader community. She spoke often and fondly about everyone that shared this part of her life with her.
Lastly, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to all the health care workers who gave her so much support and comfort throughout her battle. The nursing staff on floor 3B Oncology at St Catharines hospital and all who made regular visits to her at home. A special thank you to Roseline from Care Partners. She really enjoyed her Friday visits. Our thanks as well to Dr. Martha McKelvey, NP, for her compassion and empathy. Lastly, our thanks to nurse Andrea of the St. Elizabeth Palliative team, for her hard work, advocacy, and warmth.
Michele will be missed by all those who were touched by her loving soul. Even in sickness she only thought of others. In her final months she only spoke words of comfort to us. She wanted to know that we would be okay, and because of her we will be. Her absence is felt by us as a great and sad change in the world, but her love carries us forward and continues to be shared. Her love outlives her, and so she lives on.
Cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest at Victoria Lawn Cemetery (private family gathering due to current restrictions). Mom’s wishes were to have a celebration of life event to be held in the spring or summer.