With deep sadness, we announce the January 10, 2024 passing of our beloved mother, Jean. She was the devoted, loving and caring spouse of JH Rocky Forest (deceased), the loving mother of 7 children: Ric, Leanne, Dan, Michelle, Karen, Rosalyn, and Tom. Grandmother of 11: Nicole, Michael, Brad, Kim, Damian, Kira, Dominique, Elise, Adrianna, Megan and Elodie. Great Grandmother of 17: Gabriella, Isabel, Keira, James, Adelaide, Liam, Darcie, Blair, Rebecca, Samantha, Ryan, Payton, Warner, Morgan, Kayla, Daisy and Josephine.
Jean was a deeply spiritual woman of God and a very gentle, wise soul. She was also a respected public figure, an astute member of boards, business partner, federal senator and staunch advocate for all human rights, particularly those of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Victoria, BC on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm.
Condolences and shared memories may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
24 Responses
Dear Ric, Leanne, Dan, Michelle, Karen, Rosalyn, Tom
Wishing you peace, comfort, prayers and condolences on your Mother’s passing. Our sympathies are also extended to other family members. Jean was amazing and possessed such generosity of heart. She was a woman of deep faith, great compassion and grace, was a catalyst for change and led a life of excellence. She was extremely inspirational and indeed, like her beloved Rocky, benefitted so many lives. We honour, thank and celebrate Jean and her remarkable legacy.
“Death is nothing else but going home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity.” — Blessed Mother Teresa
Moira, Norine and Christine (King) and Kelly (Medd) – daughters of John and Winnie King (our parents and brother Dennis are deceased)
Leanne,my dear friend,
My condolences to you and your family. Sending you lots of love and hugs Gweyn Edwards
To the Forest family, my sincere condolences on the passing of Jean. I will always remember her because of the kindness she showed to my family on the passing of my Mom (at age 40 leaving 6 children) in 1965 when she brought dinner to our home. I also remember her and Rocky as generous tippers when I delivered newspapers to their house in Ottwell.
It was an honour to have known your Mom, Jean. She was a wonderful woman and had an incredible life. Our condolences to the family. The Connelly’s, Jeanette and Cameron
Dear Leanne,
So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family.
Your mother was a beautiful person inside and out, a remarkable lady. Hugs and prayers go out to
all of you. Love – Denise Rivest, Edmonton
Sorry to hear of Jean’s passing but what a wonderful, full life she led! She left the world a better place!
It was an honour to have known her and have her as a neighbour on Sea View!
Our condolences to the family.
Gail and Ken Pohl
As an immigrant from the Philippines, Jean has always been my role model for her great Humanitarian accomplishments especially in the area of empowering women. We will miss a Strong Leader but her Legacy will remain forever.
To the Family, please, accept my most sincere condolences for your great loss.
TO Karen & Family,
I am Rosa Bilotta’s cousin Roberto, met you once at St Elizabeth, you were the ‘K’ Teacher. I knew your mother when she was Senator, she dealt with our travel agency for regular trips to Ottawa many years ago. Condolences to you and your siblings, your mother was an astounding Humanitarian. May the good Lord guide you through this painful journey, forever rest in peace Jean.
Dear Rosalyn, Karen,Tom, Michelle, Dan, Ric,Leanne,
I have such fond memories of both your mom and dad. I can still hear their voices, and it always makes me smile. Your mom was so committed to making this world a better place. I wish you all peace.
Mary Noreen Farrell-Hyland, Calgary
Dear Karen and Rosalyn and family,
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your Mom.
Awhile before my mom passed away she tearfully reminisced about Bus and her getting together with Rocky and Jean one night and how much they’d enjoyed it. I think it was rare for that foursome to find time together – seems it may have been the night of our grade 9 Karen, that they’d snuck out- “I miss those times,” she said. I can picture them having a fun night off. Sending you all love, and the comfort of knowing how blessed we’ve all been on this walk…