Jean Forini

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Jean Teresa Forini, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024 in Chicago. She led a long and happy life filled with love.

Jean was born in Ironwood on March 29, 1933, the daughter of John and Mary (Kapets) Wilcheck. There was a big snowstorm that day and she liked to say she blew into this world with it. She graduated from St. Ambrose High School. Following a year at Gogebic Community College, she worked at Bensen's Optical and Prudential Insurance in Ironwood.

Jean married Joseph Forini in 1965. They made their home in Ironwood and were happily married for 44 years before he preceded her in death on Oct. 27, 2009.

Jean enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. When she was younger, she travelled with her best friend Mary Jo to Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and New York. Ever the fashion lover, she always returned from her trips with a new pair of the trendiest shoes. After her daughter moved to Chicago, she and her husband visited frequently. The three of them loved to explore the city and took advantage of all Chicago had to offer, including theatre, museums, restaurants and shopping.

Jean loved to crochet and do crafts. She loved every holiday and decorated the house to celebrate each one, especially Christmas. She was an excellent baker and used to bake 12 varieties of Christmas cookies each year until she passed the baking on to her niece, Jane. Jean cherished spending time with her friends and family and would never turn down a chance to meet for coffee and something sweet.

She spent her last few years living in Chicago, with her beloved daughter, Jeanine; while visiting Ironwood as much as possible. She spoke daily to her dear friend, Mary Jo Reed, who was greatly missed after her passing in 2023.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Forini; her parents; her sisters, Margaret Long and Mary Fudaly; and her brothers-in-law, Kenneth Long and Irving Fudaly. She was also preceded in death by her nephews, Tom Fudaly, Steven Long and Paul Fudaly; and niece, Theresa (Fudaly) Jesberg. All were gone far too soon.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Jeanine, of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews who miss her dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Brian Gerber, celebrant. Visitation will precede Mass at 10 a.m. in the St. Joseph Family Room at the church. A luncheon will follow the funeral Mass. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in her honor.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements.