MAVIS FORBES Obituary

It is with heavy hearts and great love that we announce the passing of Mavis Doreen Forbes at the age of 92 on March 5, 2025, in Burlington, Ontario, with family by her side.

May was predeceased by her beloved husband of 38 years, Ronald Forbes (2018) & her first husband Fred Bold (2012). As well, she was predeceased by parents John Paton & Mae Fernie (nee Yeatman), brothers Gordon, Stewart, Douglas, Donald, Clifford & David, sisters Florence, Sylvia & Phyllis. Mavis was the youngest and last surviving sibling.

Mavis will be deeply missed by daughters Wendy Clifton (Ken) of Burlington, and Heather Dawson-North (Sue) of Dartmouth Nova Scotia, step-daughter Terri McNeese (Pat), Knoxville, Tennessee and step-son Tim Forbes (Kathy) of Thunder Bay, and grandchildren Jordan, Tyler, Bethany, Olivia and Stephan. She held a special place in the hearts of Cindy and Len Favreau, niece and nephew by marriage in Oakville, who were more like a daughter and son to her. May will also be sadly missed by many other nieces & nephews, cherished friends and past neighbours.

Mavis was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, grew up in Raith, Ontario, and moved to Fort William (Thunder Bay) at the age of 16. She worked in retail for many years, first at Carina Shoe Store, then at Naturalizer Shoes. She loved selling and interacting with people and hosted regular yard sales following her retirement.

Mavis and Ron enjoyed many years of travelling with friends, wintering in Arizona, playing golf, and fishing at "the trailer". May was a fabulous cook and was at her best when entertaining family & friends. Special thanks to David and Elsie Fernie (nephew and his wife) and Shirley Davis (neighbour and friend) for the support they provided to May and Ron during their final years in Thunder Bay.

The Forbes' moved to Seasons Stoney Creek Retirement Community on the shores of Lake Ontario in Hamilton in 2018, to be closer to family. Unfortunately, Ron passed away in April of that year. Thanks to Doug Ferguson for the support and companionship he provided to Mavis following Ron's passing and to the staff at the community who befriended her.
Mavis moved to Age Care Brant Long Term Care in June 2023, just down the street from Wendy's home in Burlington. Special thanks to the staff at Age Care Brant for their kindness, humour and compassion.

May continued to love socializing, dogs, music, "dancing" and shopping and even fishing into her later years. She lived a full and vibrant life & will be etched on the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Burlington at Wellington Square United Church June 15.2025, at 2:00. A Time of Remembering will be scheduled for Thunder Bay in August, with time and place to be announced at a future date. To honour May's love of fashionable, colourful clothing, we ask that those attending either event dress cheerfully.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to a Charity of Your Choice.