Ida R. Forsht

Ida R. Forsht, age 96, of East Greenwich, RI passed away on August 13, 2016. Born and raised in Sagamore, Mass. (Cape Cod) to immigrant parents Robert Borghi and Valia (Polla) Borghi. Ida was the surviving sister of Laura, Leno (Bud), Anne, and Bruno (Gillie) Borghi and half-sisters Carmellina Querzoli, and Dirce Libertini. She was the devoted wife of 59 years to the late Eugene R. Forsht, Cmdr. USN. Ret. of East Greenwich.

Ida was a proud women of Italian heritage. Her life was shaped out of a necessity to be resilient, with deep rooted values, determination, and strength of character. All of these qualities being seasoned with a zest for life, laughter and fun. Her "greatest joys in life" as she often said, were found in being a devoted wife, a caring and selfless mother, a loving Grandmother (“Nonnie"), and in later life becoming a Great Grandmother.

From very humble beginnings Ida learned how to make her way in the world, and to persevere through tough times. She learned how to fish the waters of Cape Cod, grow large vegetable gardens, and raise chickens. From these necessities of life she would create food, that was always full of flavor and richness, a talent for cooking that lasted a lifetime. After her father’s death, when she was 16 in order to support her family, she left her home for NYC to become a nanny for 4 years. Afterwards, Ida returned to the Cape, taking jobs as a telephone operator, and a waitress at the now still, Sagamore Inn. During this time and in service to her country, Ida served as a Red Cross aide to returning wounded WW2 veterans in area hospital wards. In 1946 she met, her life’s love Gene, a naval officer in charge of the then Otis Naval Air Station, in Bourne, Mass. Soon their married life together began, living in a cottage just outside the gates of the base. The Navy man from Altoona, Pa. fell in love with life on the Cape Cod Canal, from striped bass fishing, clamming, to harvesting a garden, not surprising as Ida was his teaching partner. Soon, their first born Deborah Ann would arrive as well as orders to Sunnyvale, California. Towing a tiny trailer, with all their worldly possessions, toddler in hand they set out across the country.

While Gene was building a naval career, Ida kept the home going, caring for Debbie, and then soon adding to the family a son, Eugene, Jr. Navy life continued, and several transfers later, their life settled in at Quonset Point Naval Air Station, along with the purchase of their first house in East Greenwich, RI. In 1954, once again the family grew, adding Christine. With Gene, now a Commander of VX6 squadron, and being stationed in Antartica from 1960-61, Ida’s life with three children was constantly busy. She was both mother and father for much of the time, always doing so with an inner strength, and resolve for all situations that arose in the house and with the family. Despite many obstacles faced during Gene’s deployments, she was always of good spirit, kept a positive attitude and provided for fun in life. She was a homeroom mother, Sunday School teacher, community volunteer, and a Red Cross volunteer nurse (known as Grey Ladies) at Quonset Point Naval Hospital. She would later get her real estate license and joined Gene in his next career of forming, owning and operating Suburban Estates Real Estate, in North Kingstown RI. Upon their retirement, for the next 33 years they went back to traveling the country, first with Airstream trailers and then with Foretravel motor homes. Their travels brought them to every corner and all the sights/scenery and special events of our country. They crossed the continental USA some 7 times, including Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. They had a home in Florida, but would always return to East Greenwich and to their roots on the Cape during the summers.

Throughout her life Ida would make great and lasting friends with all whom she met. She was always known for her quick wit, a wonderful contageous laugh, her spirit, great cooking, and for her grace with the simple wisdoms of life. For all who knew her, her wisdoms were both valued and treasured. Her legacy and parting words in Italian were always, “Tante Amore and Siempre la Famiglia”, sentiments that will be never forgotten by all whom she touched.

She is survived by her chidren, Deborah A. Schubarth (Paul) of Fallbrook , Calif. , Eugene R. Forsht, Jr. of San Diego, California and Christine L. Donald (Robert) of East Greenwich, RI. Loving Grandchildren, Bryan R. Donald (Kimberly) of Warwick, RI, and Rebecca A. Donald of East Greenwich, RI. Great Grandchildren, McKenna Rose Donald and Kyra Arianna Donald of Warwick, RI., and a loving niece Nancy Querzoli,of Bridgewater, Mass.

The family wishes to thank the many caregivers, of Atria Harborhill, East Greenwich, and Roberts Health Care Center, North Kingstown who were always so wonderful to Ida. In addition, to Kent County Hospital Progressive Unit and Hospice during her last week with us. Special thanks to her longtime doctor, Dr. Chad E. Lamendola of East Greenwich Family Practice for his empathic and compassionate care as well as friendship.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main Street, East Greenwich on Monday, August 22, 2016, at 5:00 PM.

Family and friends are asked should they wish, to share a favorite remembrance of how Ida’s life graced theirs, either at the Celebration or via the online condolence page. Burial will be private at the National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass., back where their lives together began. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paralyzed Veteran’s Association of America.