Nancy I. Forchette

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Nancy I. Forchette, 84, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020.

Nancy was born on Aug. 17, 1936, in Wakefield, a daughter of Matt and Katri (Vainionpaa) Waataja. She attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1954.

On Aug. 14, 1982, Nancy was united in marriage to Bruce J. Forchette in Wakefield.

She was a deputy clerk for more than 36 years at the Gogebic County Courthouse, and retired in 1991.

Nancy was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield and a supporting member of its Joy Circle. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Wakefield Historical Museum.

Nancy was a very generous and thoughtful friend and always acknowledged people with special occasion cards.

She and Bruce enjoyed traveling by car and bus to different states. In later years, Nancy looked forward to going on shopping trips with friends. Two things that truly made her happy were going out to eat and visiting with family and friends.

Nancy is survived by a stepson, Bruce James Forchette Jr. (Kimberly); two stepgrandchildren, William Penrose and Christina Penrose; three nieces, Sherry Aldrich Sineath, Wendy (Bob) Abernethy and Linda Johnson; a nephew, Tracy Kauranen; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends that were dear to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bruce, on Jan. 22, 2004; her stepchildren, Terri and Marty; two sisters and their husbands, Martha (Eino) Kauranen and Bertha (Doug) Aldrich; and a niece, Bobbie Jean Storms.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility for their compassionate, professional care given to Nancy, and many kindnesses extended to the family.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Nancy's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., Wakefield, MI 49968.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.