Agnes Syiek Shiepe Forsley, 81, went to be with Jesus on
Jan. 15, 2006, at the home of her daughter, Candace. She
resided in Kennebunk, Maine, for the past five years. Prior
to that, she was a 45-year resident of Gray, Maine.
She
was born on April 21, 1924 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the
daughter of the late Alexander and Mcarmy Batal Syiek. She
graduated from Lawrence High School and the Burdette School
of Business in Boston, Mass. She was widowed at a young age
from Theodore Shiepe, with whom she had a son, Dustin, who
passed away at 2 1/2 years of age, and two beloved
stepchildren. Agnes later married Dr. Eli Forsley, with whom
she shared a long, happy life and five lovely children.
Her compassion, care, and love of life were well noted by
all. Agnes was a tireless volunteer for the American Red
Cross, transporting patients from Lawrence to hospitals in
Boston. She also served as a counselor for Birthrite,
guiding hundreds of young women through their pregnancies.
In addition, Agnes was a driving instructor for a countless
number of Gray's youth, thoroughly enjoying her time with
each of them. Agnes began her professional career as a
bookkeeper for Watts Regulator. Like her mother, she was a
licensed electrologist, educating others in the practice and
serving as the Secretary of State Board of Electrologists.
In 1956, she and Eli founded Gray Manor, a boarding home for
disabled veterans, whom she cared for like family. Agnes
shopped year round for the 32 men under her care at Gray
Manor. She would work around the clock during Christmas
wrapping all these gifts for the men. She would have new
outfits for them along with several special gifts tailored
to each man. Often times these men were forgotten by their
families, but Agnes gave them back their dignity with jobs,
love, and a sense of belonging to the community.
Agnes was
diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1971. In spite of the
debilitating illness, she continued her active and giving
lifestyle. She did not let the change in her step alter the
pace of her life, and she strongly believed that her faith
in the Lord gave her the strength to make it through each
day.
Agnes always made it a priority to bring joy to the
lives of others, whether through her gorgeous smile, loving
heart, or lively spirit. Her generosity and care were
available to everyone she met. She was grateful for all the
love and support that she received from her day-to-day
relationships.
We cannot express, on paper, the many ways
in which her life touched ours. We love her dearly, with all
of our hearts. With every letter she wrote to friends and
family she would lovingly end with, May the Lord watch
between me and thee while we are apart one from the other.
Gen. 31:49. Along with, May the Lord bless you and keep you
in front of me.
Agnes is survived by her children, Richard
T. Forsley of Pensacola, Fla., Elizabeth A. Forsley of
Portland, Alexander E. Forsley of Maine and Florida, Fred M.
Forsley of Portland, Candace Forsley of Kennebunk, and
Theodore Shiepe of Salem, N.H.; and eight grandchildren; a
sister, Meralda Syiek McCann of San Diego, Calif.; and many
nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was also the
sister of the late Rose Syiek Breehey.
Friends may call
from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Bibber Memorial
Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk. A celebration of Agnes'
life will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Messiah
Christian Church on Route 1, Wells, with the Rev. Daniel
Moore.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Little People of America (LPA) - The Patriot Chapter
7 Jameco Mill Road
Scarborough, ME 04074
Attn: Thanks and Giving
or
St Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105