Obituary of Emilia C. DeForest

Emilia Catherine DeForest, 86, of Cortland, NY passed away on October 10, 2016 in Cortland surrounded by family. Emilia was born in Chicopee, MA to Stella and Stanley Strycharz on November 12, 1929. She graduated from Chicopee High School in 1947 and began working at The Springfield Insurance Company in Springfield, MA. She relocated to Cortland shortly after graduating high school and marrying Sheldon DeForest, her former husband with whom she had five children. In 1990, she retired from Smith Corona. An avid golfer, Emilia played in a senior golf league for many years. She was a dedicated volunteer in the RSVP program and a member of the advisory council at Cortland Hospital, as well as an enthusiastic member of the Cortland Senior Center community. A keen traveler, her involvement at the Senior Center included countless bus trips and excursions across the country. Emilia served as a member and president of the Senior Council, member of the Senior Club, and member of the task force for nutrition, as well as coordinator of the pitch club on Wednesday afternoons at the Senior Center for over 20 years. She also participated in the Red Hat Society, One Parent Organization, and Catholic Daughters. Emilia is preceded in death by her parents, Stella and Stanley Strycharz, her daughter, JoAnne Judd, and her longtime companion, Pat Gilbert. A loving mother, Emilia is survived by her four sons: Richard DeForest and his wife Georgian of Cortland; David DeForest and his wife Colleen of Madeira Beach, FL; Theodore DeForest and his wife Julie of Red Creek, NY, and Kevin DeForest and his wife Elizabeth of Chicopee. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Through her kindness and compassion, she is also survived by innumerable friends and loved ones Calling hours will be Thursday October 13 from 4-6 pm the Wright Beard Funeral Home A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 Friday at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church The Family will hold a Private burial in St Patrick’s cemetery in Chicopee MA. The family of Emily wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at Misty Glen and Cedar Run Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Memorial contributions may be given to the Nutrition Program at the Cortland Senior Center 60 Central Ave. Cortland, NY 13045 To offer online condolences visit www.wright--beard.com