Mary E. Forestieri

Mary E. Forestieri, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on January 27th, 2011 after a courageous battle against cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. Monday at St. John's Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor, with Fr. William J. Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. Friends may call from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M. Sunday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with the Rosary recited at 4:30 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Those wishing to sign Mary's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. She was born Mary E Topping in Cass City, MI to Leland and Ethel Topping; she grew up in Dowagiac, the eldest of 6 children. She graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1944 and went on to become a registered nurse. Mary was employed at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor for 25 years, finishing her career as Director of the Cardiovascular Department. Mary traveled extensively to Europe, Asia, Mexico, Canada and the USA and especially cherished the sacred sites she visited. She was a devout Catholic and active member of St John/St Bernard Parish for 60 years. Though she’s no longer with us, we will forever remember her strength, love and dedication to her family and many friends. Always the caregiver, she helped countless people throughout her life. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Charles and Harold Topping. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Jack Forestieri and their children, Mary Beth McConachie (Lorne) of Seattle, WA., John Forestieri (Kathleen) of Benton Harbor, Chrisanne Stocker (Patrick) of Paris, France, Catherine Forestieri (Jay) of Charlotte, NC, Paul Forestieri (Jacqueline) of St Joseph and Thomas Forestieri of Yuma, AZ; grandchildren Elizabeth, Christopher, Justin, Louis, Laura, Kevin, Rachael, Ashleen, Benjamin, Dominic, Angela and Lucia; and great-grandchildren, Lily, Nora and Gus. She is also survived by her loving sister, Barbara Lucas of Dowagiac, and brothers Robert Topping of Elkhart, IN and Sherman Topping of South Bend, IN.