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Tottenham, Ontario

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Alice Forestell

In Memorial

Forestell, Alice Pauline (nee O’Leary)
Died peacefully at home surrounded by family members on Tuesday January 17, 2012 after an extended and courageous battle with MS. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 54 years, Patrick, and her children: Mary Wood (Michael) of St.Albert, Alberta, Nancy Forestell (Peter McInnis) of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and Gerry Forestell (Anne Lindsay) of Huntsville Ontario. Loving grandmother of Alex Wood, Cait Wood, Ben Forestell, Nathan Forestell, and Kieran McInnis. Dear sister of Gen Payne, Gerry O’Leary, and Rita Chadwick; and sister-in-law of Ruth O’Leary, Michael and Gunda Forestell, Theresa and Bert Hewitson, Cecilia Forestell, Bertha Forestell, and Richard Gabriel. Alice will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, family, friends, students, and neighbours. The family is enormously grateful for the wonderful care provided by the women of St. Elizabeth’s and Simcoe County Independent Living Services as well as by Dr. Alan Ward. Alice was an artist and long-time art teacher who was active in the arts community of South Simcoe. She was also a founding member of the St.Francis Xavier Church choir and dedicated member of Achill Choral. She loved life and a good party.

Friends will be received at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenahm Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Friday January 20, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. James Church, Colgan on Saturday January 21, 2012 at 11:30am. Interment St. James Cemetery, Colgan. . In memory of Alice and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Simcoe County Chapter, PO Box 913, Barrie, ON, L4M 4Y6, 705-733-0488, or South Simcoe Arts Council PO Box 313 Alice’s Attic, Alliston, ON, L9R 1V6, www.southsimcoeartscouncil.com would be appreciated by the family.
www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com

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Condolence Messages

  1. Robert (Wilcox) Blondell says

    July 12, 2014 at 4:56 am

    I am sure the gates of heaven swung wide for you. Thanks for making the world a better place in so many ways. Lol. Bet you and Mom are planning the next bridge game in the clouds.

    Reply
  2. jamie gallant says

    March 6, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    Dear Pat and Family,
    my deepest condolences.i have so many great memories of times spent with Alice that I think about often .

    Reply
  3. Schilling says

    February 16, 2012 at 10:38 am

    Alice was a lady who shared her giftof painting with many. There were many people who began painting because of Alice. My mother painted several oil paintings with Alice’s guidance that will always be treasured. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

    Reply
  4. Nancy (Lloyd) Larkin says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    Pat,
    To you and your family…our deepest sympathy. Alice holds a special place in my heart, for her neverending patience and kidness with Adam. He loved her art classes!!
    Adam and I send our heartfelt condolences to you all.

    Reply
  5. Sannie McInnis says

    February 1, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    Dear Forestell Family, To sing with Alice was always a joy. I will remember her love of life and her kindness and cheerfulness in the face of such a dreadful illness. As members of the Achill Choral Society, “Alice’s Altos”(we even had purple T-shirts made up) we met in her kitchen for sectionals regularly over the years. The last time I sang with Alice was in December at our carol sing and she was still smiling and whisper singing along with us. Such courage and positivity she radiated! I will never forget Alice and will think of her often when my spirits need lifting. How much we all miss her! With deepest sympathy, Sannie and Al McInnis

    Reply
  6. Carol Fraser says

    January 29, 2012 at 9:33 am

    Pat and Family, What memories flow of art classes, Pat stripping paint from the wood, lovely chats, picking Alice’s brain for her timely wisdom about life, enjoying her paintings and poems. A lifetime of treasured memories. She has earned her rest and now has her reward. To you Pat and the kids, Pete and I extend our sympathy in your time of mourning. God Bless, all of you.

    Carol & Pete Fraser
    Muskoka

    Reply
  7. Bill Emigh says

    January 25, 2012 at 10:04 am

    Pat and family,
    My sympathy for your loss.
    Alice lived her life rising
    above disabilty with a
    personality that will always
    be an inspiration. She will
    remain as wonderful memory
    of Tottenham.

    Bill Emigh, Victoria, BC

    Reply
  8. Jim and Donna LeGrow says

    January 24, 2012 at 9:13 am

    Dear Pat and Family:
    We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We greatly appreciate to have had the opportunity to know her. Please accept our deepest condolonces. May God Bless you and your Family.
    Jim and Donna LeGrow

    Reply
  9. Morgan Wade says

    January 23, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    I was sad to hear the news of Alice’s passing. I have very fond memories of her, when I was just a boy, growing up on Victoria St. Alice was always so kind to us kids, a wonderful neighbour to have at that age. She made the entire neighbourhood so warm and welcoming. She will be greatly missed and our condolences to all of the Forestells.

    Reply
  10. Lynda Hattin says

    January 23, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    As I read over all these thoughtful tributes I can’t think of what to say except that Alice was my safe space. I could always pop in to have a chat and a cup of tea and a big hug. My heart goes out to all of you.

    Reply
  11. Ian and Vickie Witherspoon says

    January 23, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    Dear Pat and Family:
    We are so very sadden to return home from holidays and find that Alice is no longer with us. She was always so very kind and talented and Her contributions to the community will last forever.
    Please accept our deepest condolonces.
    May God Bless you and your Family and give you strenth.

    Reply
  12. Richard Schilling says

    January 22, 2012 at 12:29 am

    I remember Ms. Forestell as a littel kid. I would wait in the front as my mother learned oil painting from Ms. Forestell, and it seemed like a magical place to me. A place where many people came to learn how to put the beauty inside themselves onto canvas. Farewell.

    Reply
  13. Sunyatta and Laurence Guild says

    January 21, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    We were the Newbies (vs the “old timers”) in town over 22 years ago, and one of the first people we met was Alice. Her warm, generous, kind-hearted spirit made us feel at home here in Tottenham. We’ve never a known a Totteham, or a New Tecumseth without Alice. But a little bit of Alice is in each one of us, forever. We are so sad that she has passed, but so happy that she is at peace. Big hugs to you Pat and to your families.

    Reply
  14. Evelyn Vander Zaag says

    January 21, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    My condolences to your whole family as you gather together with the many difficult feelings of celebrating a life and of losing such an important part of your family. You will certainly miss Alice.
    sincerely,
    Evelyn

    Reply
  15. Grainne Malcolm says

    January 21, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    On behalf of the Homecraft Division of the Schomberg Agricultural Society I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Alice’s family. For many years she judged our Amateur Art at the Schomberg Fair and we always looked forward to having her and enjoying her great spirit. She was a truly lovely person.

    Reply
  16. Helene Kalix ( Schilling ) 3823 Kylr Rd. Dorset Ohio USA Michael Schilling Wellington Ohio USA, Richard Schilling,Garfield Hts. Ohio, Gisela Schilling , Christina,Andrea and Steffanie Schilling Painesville Ohio , says

    January 21, 2012 at 11:27 am

    Hallo Pat, Mary, Nancy and Gerry.So sorry to here of Your Los.Alice was a good friend the years my Fam. lived in Tottenham. I was one of the ladies wo was in one of here Art classes.She was also a good friend and a good Shoulder to Cry on.And I was happy so sew the skaiting Costumes for Nancy.I still have the picture of nancy in here beutyfull Costume. The Doore was always open to your House Pat,and I always feeld better after i visit Alice.Alice was a kind non – judemental Person.I am glad god gave me the change to meet here,for only 8 Years. Me and my Fam send our Sincere Condolences. She told my youngest Son Richard Schilling in his younger Years, about 5 To come town from the leather,AND NOT clime up to the steaple of the Church he and he came down. He is a Leutenant with the Cleveland Police Department now.We all have only good memorie.The Schilling Fam.

    Reply
  17. Peter McGoey says

    January 21, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Pat and Family, Our thoughts are with you at this time. Alice inspired me though art and her kind personality. Her heart was bigger than the colour spectrum which she shared with so many people.

    Reply
  18. Ceri And Viola Stephens says

    January 21, 2012 at 9:28 am

    Heartfelt sympathies to you, Pat, and your family. Alice was a lovely lady.

    Reply
  19. Barbara Foote says

    January 21, 2012 at 9:06 am

    I was in Achill with Alice and remember her taking the time to paint a flower on my name tag along with many others. I have her book ‘the Garden of Life which I was reading through again just last week.I didn’t know her for long but the memories are good. Condolences to the family

    Reply
  20. Joan Lynch says

    January 21, 2012 at 9:03 am

    My deepest sympathy MaryPat to you and all your family.
    Sincerely, Joan Lynch

    Reply
  21. Ashley Andrews says

    January 20, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    Alice was my first painting instructor and inspired me to do great things. From her teaching and guidance I followed my passion for art through University and continue to paint to this day. You were an amazing woman. Thoughts go out to family and friends.

    Reply
  22. Joanne Ronan says

    January 20, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    Well this takes me back to my first oil painting lessons. I will always be grateful to the encouragement and support for an amateur artist. It was through her mentoring that I started to believe that I might be able to create something worthwhile. It was so impressive to be around someone with her level of skill, enthusiasm and energy. She will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to the family, special thoughts to Nancy.

    Reply
  23. Ron & Shelba Fortier (From Florida) says

    January 20, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    Alice will certainly be missed by all her friends and all the community. Our deepest sympathy to Pat and all the family.

    Reply
  24. Michael Kennedy and Pat Daley says

    January 20, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    We each knew Alice in our separate ways — art class in the conservation area or mother’s friend. Together we will miss her. Alice’s presence was felt in the community and Tottenham will feel her loss. Our deepest condolences to Pat and family.

    Reply
  25. Bob and Norma Ward says

    January 20, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    Dear Pat and family,Thank you for shareing your wonderfol wife and mother with the rest of the community.Alice was a great lady and ajoy to know Thank you Alice for your love andcareing when we needed you . Thanks for all the joy and laughter God bless your family . We are so sorry for your loss

    Reply
  26. Natalie Copp says

    January 20, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Alice what a wonderful lady and friend. My sincere condolances to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Natalie and Alisa and Andrea (the twins as she called them and Art students. She will be missed by all.

    Reply
  27. Talbot McInnis says

    January 20, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    Alice, your impression on me will last a lifetime. Your contributions to the community will last forever.

    Reply
  28. Ruth Dermott says

    January 20, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Our sincere condolences to all the Forestell family. I am so glad I got to visit with all of you before we left for Floida. Alice will be missed thoughout our community. I have many memories to remember. The card games, music, trying to play tennis,teaching her how to drive the VW (while I read or tryed to read a book)so I wouldn’t see the accident that was about to happen to Pat’s only vehicle for transportation. I especially remember the harmonizing to “I stand in the garden alone”. Alice you did well and were so courageous…Pat you will receive your medal in heaven for all you have done over the years.
    So sorry we can’t be with you at this time but our thoughts and prayers are.
    Ruth

    Reply
  29. Linda Bullock says

    January 20, 2012 at 11:40 am

    My deepest condolences to you Pat and your family. When I think about Tottenham and all the people I have met the one person that always stood out was Alice. Alice was a loving and caring person which was reflected in everything she did from her involvement in starting a figure skating club, art classes, community and church activities and always being there to the support a friend in need. Alice will be missed but never forgotten.
    Linda

    Reply
  30. Bill Cranston says

    January 20, 2012 at 4:58 am

    Pat and family. I am so sorry I can’t be there to wish you all my condolences. I am currently in Japan. Your mom/wife was such a great godmother/neighbour/person she will be so missed, by everyone. Thinking of you all, take care and god bless.

    Reply
  31. Tom and Bonnie Gabriel says

    January 20, 2012 at 1:58 am

    Bonnie and I miss her already as well as her brother Paul and her sister Florence (my mother) who also passed away a year ago this month. I’ll miss but also cherish the good times our families spent together at many a family gathering over the years. No doubt she is now in a well-deserved spot in heaven.

    Reply
  32. Henry & Joan Kwiatkowski says

    January 19, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    Our deepest condolences to you Pat and your family. Alice will never be forgotten by anyone who came in contact with her. A more beautiful person will be hard to find.
    May Our Heavenly Father bless you and guide you & your family in your hour of need.

    Reply
  33. Jodie Guillemette says

    January 19, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    Though I never had the privilege of taking her art classes, my sister did and whenever I was in her presence she always made me feel welcome. She was always so friendly and caring to one and all. She was a true community leader, a woman of strength, courage and determination. Her contribution to the arts, her exemplarily life (it was so admirable to see her sing with the Achill Choral society despite having MS), will always be felt. Alice thank you for helping to make the world a better place. Your example and presence in this community, will be forever in our hearts. Our sincere, condolences to the family.
    Jodie, Annik, Daniel and Raymond Guillemette

    Reply
  34. Megan, Dean, Elizabeth and Eric MacNeil says

    January 19, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    Gerry, Anne, Ben and Nate

    Our thoughts are with you in this sad time. I’m sure she will live in your hearts forever.

    Much love to all,
    The MacNeil’s

    Reply
  35. Dan and Sandra Sauve' says

    January 19, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    Gerry, Anne, Ben and Nathan
    Our sincere condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Warmest wishes Dan and Sandra

    Reply
  36. Claudia & Terry Wade says

    January 19, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    Alice was the kindest, most caring and non-judgemental person you could ever know. Her super generous nature and love for her family, friends and community was limitless. She was an extremely courageous, mulit-talented and very special lady who will be preserved in our thoughts always.

    Reply
  37. Kelly Bower says

    January 19, 2012 at 5:50 pm

    I like to believe that when we lose someone close to us they still live through us and give us strength and Alice was the strongest most amazing person I and so many others new. The time we have spent with those we’ve lost makes them part of us.
    My deepest sympathy Pat to you and your family!

    Reply
  38. pat boland says

    January 19, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    Alice was a great lady and a teacher to many, she always had a smile and a kind word to say to everyone, I think most children and adults from the area had taken a lesson or two with alice,each one of them enjoyed every moment of their time spent with Alice.
    There will be many that will miss her.

    Reply
  39. Sarah Cole says

    January 19, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    To All the Family
    Alice was a wonderful and so thoughtful person, I realize how much she meant to the community and to all her friends, which was an endless list of people. Alice and I talked about MS as my sister who also had MS. And a wonderful gift I have is a painting that Alice did of my old homestead in Vaughan. I will always remember her kindness to all. Thinking of you all at this time.
    Sarah

    Reply
  40. Margaret & Gordon Phillips says

    January 19, 2012 at 2:29 pm

    Dear Pat
    Our sincere sympathy. Alice was an inspiration to all who knew her and will always be remembered for her many talents and contributions in
    our community. It was a privilege to have her as my friend.

    Reply
  41. Pat Sang says

    January 19, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    Dear Pat,
    I just wanted to pass on my condolences to you & all the family.
    Alice was such a beautiful person–always thoughtful, kind & gracious.
    She will be sadly missed by all.
    My sympathy & prayers are with you all
    Sincerely,
    Pat Sang

    Reply
  42. Barbara Cotterchio-Milligan says

    January 19, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    Dear Pat, Mary, Nancy and Gerry
    It can be said of Alice that she was an inspiration to all and a good friend to many. She was never too busy to care about her fellow man.
    The other person who is an inspiration is you Pat.
    I take my hat off to you, and your family for the love and care shown to Alice during her long struggle with MS.
    She has been in my thoughts and prayers, as are all of you today.
    I will miss her always, and remember her from the days of Tottenham Summer Theatre. At times when I needed some arm twisting done, she would look at me and say “just leave it with me”. I did, and the problem would magically disappear.
    Alice is now at peace, and able to sing and paint again.
    My condolences to all of you.

    Reply
  43. Reg and Mary Menchenton says

    January 19, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    Sorry to hear of your Loss our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time.

    Reply
  44. Emily Sammut says

    January 19, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Pat & family,

    I am truly sorry about Alice’s passing. She is singing with the angels now. She was a true friend and I shall miss her dearly.

    Emily Sammut

    Reply
  45. Jim & Mae Aiken says

    January 19, 2012 at 10:58 am

    PAT & FAMILY
    SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS.
    WE ALL NEED AN ALICE IN OUR WORLD.
    FROM LONG-TIME FRIENDS.
    JIM, MAE AIKEN & FAMILY

    Reply
  46. Dianne Reynolds Manager of Support Services says

    January 19, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Pat and Family,

    On behalf of Independent Living Services of Simcoe County staff I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

    Reply
  47. Cecilia McKenna Peirce says

    January 19, 2012 at 10:52 am

    Pat, Mary, Nancy, Gerry, and your Families,

    Seems like a long time ago now, but I still remember the many good times I had throughout elementary school with “Mary Pat” at your house, often in the kitchen with Alice. Alice always made me feel like I was part of the family whenever I came to visit. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

    Sincerely,
    Cecilia

    Reply
  48. Peter Morris says

    January 19, 2012 at 10:44 am

    Sorry to hear of your great loss

    Reply
  49. Janette Boyter says

    January 19, 2012 at 9:28 am

    Pat and Family,
    I am so deeply sorry for your loss. There isn’t anybody that didn’t know Alice or know of Alice. She was an amazing woman with such enthusiastic spirit and a generous heart. What a tremendous loss to our community, but an extraordinary blessing to have been touched by an angel, Our Alice!!

    Reply
  50. Elaine Ito says

    January 19, 2012 at 8:57 am

    Alice had an ability to bring out the best in people. Each week her cheery greeting and loving smile reminded me that it was a privilege to be the pianist at alto rehearsals. I am deeply grateful for that time in her presence.

    Reply
  51. Jackie Price says

    January 18, 2012 at 11:29 pm

    No words can really express how we all feel . She tought my children more than art in her classes, with her wisdom and love for life and laughter. She will be with us forever

    Reply
  52. Peggy Feehely says

    January 18, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    Jay and I were saddened to hear of Alice’s passing. I first met Alice at a bridal shower that was held for me at Gladys McGoey’s house a few months before I was to be married to Jay (May,1970). Alice was the life of the shower with her sharp Irish wit, her infectious laughter, her twinkling eyes and her endless stories. I was enthralled and decided if she was representative of the people I would meet in Tottenham I was in! Throughout the years she has continued to touch the hearts and funny bones of everyone she met, from the children she taught art to (my four children benefited so much from her art classes) to the choirs she contributed to. (Upon occasion I sang with her when she and my brother, Mike Kirley, were part of the St. James Choir.)
    She loved her family. She loved her church. She adored her community and fought hard to promote all the young people who had the privilege of taking art classes from her. She will be missed. She will never be forgotten. She will always be our Alice.

    Reply
  53. Shelley Murray says

    January 18, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    Pat
    Alice was one of a kind and she will be greatly missed but she lives on in our hearts, her art and the art of the students she taught. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

    Reply
  54. Peggy and Don Bower says

    January 18, 2012 at 9:14 pm

    Our thoughts are with you and your family. Alice was loved by everyone. We are sorry that we could not be with you at this time. She will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  55. Dave Wilcox says

    January 18, 2012 at 9:13 pm

    A great lady from Tottenham has pass on. Rest in peace Alice Forestell and I can only hope that I have half the courage you had over these last 30 years. Your paintings, drawings and poems will live on, but more important to gang of kids that play ball, sat in your great art classes,and yes at times cause you trouble, we all feel for you and your family, Rest in peace Alice, your “gang of thirty” will never forget our second mom and the courage that you display over your illness. Till we meet again Alice –

    Reply
  56. Margaret Eagan White says

    January 18, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    When one thinks of all of Alice’s contributions to the community and hundreds of individuals,it makes me feel priveledged beyond measure to consider her a mentor.From my extremely young years listening to her sing and carry on with my mother and their vast circle of loyal lifelong friends, to sharing under her wise and fulfilling art classes.She offered a tremendous gift and encouragemant and inspiration to me and I will always be thankful for her teachings.I have pursued art throughout the years and any successes I am thankful to Alice.God bless to the family and my sincere condolences in the loss of ‘Alice’,

    Reply
  57. Elsie DuBeau says

    January 18, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    Hi Pat and Family it was great knowing you guys for the three years that i was helping Alice She was a great gal. It was great meeting all your kids and your grandchildren when they came to visit. Alice will be misses by a lot of people

    Reply
  58. Michele Sealy and Martin Chisholm says

    January 18, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    I remember stopping at the Forestells to take food to Gerry at UWO. Paper bags full of groceries, with Alice’s homemade apple pies besides. Gerry called these deliveries from home his groceries from the “A&P” (Alice and Pat). There was always something extra for the driver.
    Sincere condolences to all of you.
    Michele and Martin, Neil and Ian

    Reply
  59. Betsie and Bert van Beek says

    January 18, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    Such a lovely, kind woman. We’ve seen Pat, helping her throughout the years, seeing her deminishing health. Together they were such a lovely couple. We are so glad that we met her and her family. We feel sad to hear that Alice passed away. And thus, we’re not able to join her family at the funeral, we speak our words of sorrow here. We wish Pat and all the others the best from Holland. We’ll think of here as if she’s still alive; because she is…. in our hearts.

    Love from Betsie and Bert, Stokkum, the Netherlands.

    Reply
  60. The Laings says

    January 18, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    Gerry, Ann, Ben, Nathan and family

    Thinking of you guys.

    Love Andrea, Scott, Mark and Katherine

    Reply
  61. Laurie Milmine(Wilcox) says

    January 18, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    I have many fun memories of Alice and your entire family growing up in Tottenham. It was truly a special time for us all to be blessed with such good friends. I will always remember Alice,s support when my mom passed and will be forever grateful for the friendship the two of these ladies had.It.s been a long road for all of you, God Bless.As in life Alice took on the challenges of MS and fought a courages fight.Im sure she is in heaven baking her chocolate chip cookies and waiting for us all to join the party.

    Reply
  62. barbara hakner says

    January 18, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    Alice was a wonderful friend. An inspiration in the arts and life itself. I have great memories of our escapades together always accompanied by laughter.
    Barbara

    Reply
  63. Bev Roberts says

    January 18, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    An added note to your all. I am going to try to paint a watercolour of Alice and hope if it turns out that you will be ok with that. Currently searching for a good photo to help my memory with this.
    Much love to you all
    Bev

    Reply
  64. Bev Roberts says

    January 18, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    Pat, Mary, Nancy & Gerry,
    Alice was the dearest friend I have ever had. She was always patient, kind and supportive to all her students of Art and all who walked in her door. Children loved her and as hard as I try I will never have the patience or kindness that always filled her heart. How lucky you are to have had her. I know that she will have a special spot in Heaven.

    Reply
  65. bruno roche says

    January 18, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Dear Pat, Gerry, Mary and Nancy; i am so sorry to learn that Alice is now keeping an eye on us from up there. so many souvenirs coming in my mind, they all make me smile and i am so proud to have been her second ‘bad boy’ in the house for few months. Few weeks ago, i was smiling and proud to show to my girls this old newspaper of 1980, with a pic of Alice and me , peeling apples in the kitchen… Alice , and you all really have a precious part in my heart and my soul.
    Take care, and Alice, MERCI POUR TOUT 🙂

    Reply
  66. Elizabeth & John Morris says

    January 18, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Pat, we were so sorry to hear of Alice’s passing. She will be sadly missed, especially by Alice’s Angelic Altos. We all loved our weekly visits to Alice’s kitchen, singing and laughing. Alice was always so positive in her outlook – an example to us all.
    Such a talented, kind and caring lady.

    Reply
  67. Maya Wade says

    January 18, 2012 at 11:53 am

    Thank you, Alice, for everything!

    You are one of the kindest and most generous souls I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I feel very fortunate to have been able to grow up in the house beside yours (and have you and Pat as an extra set of Grandparents). I am glad to know you are at peace now and are smiling down on us.

    Pat and family, I am so sorry for this tremendous loss. I hope it is comforting to know that she touched so many people in so many wonderful ways and left a beautiful legacy in all of us. Alice will be missed!

    Reply
  68. Anna-Marie Heitzner says

    January 18, 2012 at 11:35 am

    Dear Pat and Family,
    Alice introduced herself to me in July of 1981. She and I were recovering on the same floor of The Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, she for recent surgery and I after the birth of my son Darcy. I had no idea who Alice was, but she recognized me as a teacher at St. James School and from
    St. James/St. Francis Churrch. My baby was transported to Sick Kids’ Hospital for several days and I was a distraught young mother. Alice befriended and counselled me and we became friends. The good news is that we all recovered and went safely home to Tottenham. Later, she taught art lessons to my daughter Elaina. I told Alice many times that I thought of her as one of my guardian angels. We met only few times since I left Tottenham in 2007, but I continue to hold her near and dear to my heart.
    Love, Anna Marie Heitzner

    Reply
  69. Bob & Julie Eagan says

    January 18, 2012 at 11:20 am

    We are so very sorry for your loss of Alice. She was such an inspiration to so many people and she will be missed. Again, we are so very sorry for your loss and we are thinking of all of you.
    Bob & Julie Eagan

    Reply
  70. Judy Breckles says

    January 18, 2012 at 10:38 am

    Alice’s amazing spirit was the inspiration that got me through the lowest days of cancer as she was my shining example of courage & joy in the face of adversity. Her love of life & her love of all she met shone through above all. It was indeed a privilege to be her choir-mate & her friend. You travel on the wings of much love from many, my friend.

    Reply
  71. Rita Gabriel says

    January 18, 2012 at 10:34 am

    Uncle Pat, Mary, Nancy, Gerry and families –
    I have so many wonderful memories of Auntie Alice – my sister and brothers spent a lot of time at your house over the years, either tearing around in the backyard which we thought of as enormous, plunking on the piano or being shooed outside by our Mum and Auntie Alice to the rhubarb patch, each with a cup (well, not a WHOLE cup) of sugar to keep us quiet for a while. And when we visited in later years as her condition worsened, we could tell she was listening to us, smiling in the right places or adding a whispered comment. Your family was a central part in my growing up years and it was always a joy to visit.
    God bless Auntie Alice sho is having a great time right now up in heaven.

    Reply
  72. Mike & Jennifer Hodges says

    January 18, 2012 at 10:20 am

    Our thoughts are with you and your family. We have lost an excellent artist and an excellent neighbour.

    Reply
  73. Bob Campbell (from Florida) says

    January 18, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Pat,
    We want to express our sympathy
    to you and your family at this time of your loss. Alice was a brave woman and will be missed by many. Bob Campbell & Family

    Reply
  74. Eilish & Bill Boston (from Florida) says

    January 18, 2012 at 9:44 am

    Pat & Family: We are sorry to hear of Alice’s passing but at the same time happy that she is in a better place where she will not suffer. Alice first came into our lives through her art and then again when she joined the Achill choral society. Her sense of humour and joi de vivre were only the tip of her warm personality and we shared many a good laugh together. I particularly remember the Hallowe’en time she came to choir practice disguised as a nun and she sat so prim and proper all evening before taking off her mask. I also have fond memories of our trip to Holland in 1990. She was an amazing lady and an inspiration to many. Regretfully we are unable to attend her funeral as we are in Florida. We send you our sincere condolences. She will be missed by many.

    Reply
  75. Anne Chesterton says

    January 18, 2012 at 9:02 am

    Pat and family,
    Alice was such a gallant spirit and was an inspiration to so many people whom she touched with her life, her laughter, her humour, her courage and her art, music and personality. As a member of Alice’s Angelic Angels, I was privileged to share a weekly alto sectional rehearsal at her home for 9 years. She sang and laughed and supported us as we struggled to learn new music. What a joy to be in her company. I learned more than just the music. Alice was a great teacher on so many levels. I feel honoured to have known her. She will be missed. Her courage is like a beacon for me whenever I feel discouraged or down. What a privilege to have known her.

    Reply
  76. Colin & Linda Mann & Family says

    January 18, 2012 at 8:28 am

    We have known Alice since we moved here 44 years ago and just after meeting her then, she made us feel like we were always welcome. She always talked to you when meeting her up town and always had a smile. Alice was one great Lady as is her husband Pat.

    Reply
  77. Elaina Heitzner says

    January 18, 2012 at 8:19 am

    I have memories of Alice as far back as can remember, and many fond thoughts of my days in her art classes.
    What an incredible person, and we wre all so very blessed to have her in our community.

    Love Elaina

    Reply
  78. Sharon LeBlanc says

    January 18, 2012 at 12:50 am

    Pat and Family

    So sorry to hear about Alice. She was a wonderful, caring and beautiful person. I have only fond memories of her and she will be greatly missed by many.

    Love Sharon and Family

    Reply
  79. Jayne Breedon Dix says

    January 17, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    Pat,Mary,Nancy,Gerry and families,
    I am so sorry to hear of Alice’s passing. She was an extremely talented lady who was a strong fighter. I truly admired her and she always made me laugh.
    Please accept my deepest sympathies at this difficult time. She is safe is God’s arms now. God Speed,Alice. xoxo

    Reply
  80. Victor & Lucienne Gionet says

    January 17, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    Our deepest sympathies go out to you in your loss of Alice. Our prayers are with you. We will miss Alice.

    Reply
  81. Debbie (Dermott) Ellison says

    January 17, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    I have so many happy memories of Alice: art lessons on Saturday morning, trips to figure skating in the crowded VW, costumes and plays at her house, the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. Alice touched many hearts and imaginations. She will hold a special place in my heart. My thoughts are with all of you Forestells at this sad time.

    Reply
  82. Linda McCullough says

    January 17, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Alice will always hold a special place in my heart for her great many contributions to Tottenham and surrounding areas. May her memories live on forever. A great lady.

    Reply
  83. Karen Turner says

    January 17, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    My thoughts are with all of you at this time. Alice will always live on in this community that she so greatly contributed to, and will be missed dearly.

    Reply
  84. Joan Hammond(Pratt) says

    January 17, 2012 at 7:15 pm

    My heart is heavy …I have lost a good friend so very sad my wishes are for her family. So many wonderful memories she has left us with we all ways had so much fun..but she is laughing singing running painting and we will meet again. RIP to a wonderful lady…..

    Reply
  85. Elizabeth de Savoye says

    January 17, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    I took my very 1st art class with Alice Forestell when I was a child. I even had the privilege of helping teach her Summer classes one year when I was in High School. I feel much gratitude, for in part I owe much of my art career to her wonderful, guiding hand. She is in my fondest thoughts and memories.

    Reply
  86. Malcolm & Elsie Cleghorn says

    January 17, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Dear Pat,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Alice was certainly one of a kind. She is now at peace and will be long remembered in our community for her many talents and contributions.
    Malcolm & Elsie Cleghorn, (from Florida)

    Reply
  87. Bob & Pat Jackson says

    January 17, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    PAT & FAMILY
    OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY IN YOUR LOSS.
    WHAT A BRAVE LADY & AN INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO KNEW HER.
    BOB & PAT JACKSON
    (from Florida)

    Reply

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