Joan D. Forbes

Joan D. Forbes (nee Leach), was born in Cranston and raised in Providence, daughter of James B. Leach and Katheryn Leach (nee McGlynn), and sister of James B. Leach, MD, of East Greenwich, RI, who all predeceased her. She was married to John Collins Forbes who predeceased her in 1987. She was also predeceased by her much-loved son-in-law Wayne Pedzwater in 2005. She is survived by her four children: Patricia Forbes Pedzwater of New York, NY; Susan Forbes Marden of Sutton, MA; John CollinsForbes, Jr., of Marietta, GA; and Kristin Forbes of Nashville, TN. She also leaves six grandchildren: Jonsie Pitts, Cody Forbes Marden, Avery Pitts, Kaitlin Forbes Card, John C. Forbes III, and Boston McGlynn Forbes. She is also survived by her beloved son-in-law, Matthew Marden, and her beloved daughter-in-law, Cheryl Forbes. Joan was the brightest of lights, greatly loved by all who knew her. She married John C. Forbes in 1955 after a seven-year courtship and embarked on a life of adventure and laughter, with stops along the way in Schenectady, NY, and Scotia, NH, before settling into a home in Acton, MA, in 1961. Joan and John ("Jack") loved first and foremost their children, but also had a thirst for life, a shared love of golf and a willingness to try anything. They purchased a 22-acre horse farm in Shirley, MA in 1969 and Joan deftly managed the house, four children, two dogs, five horses and nearly a dozen cats. No challenge was unsurmountable to Joan who will be fondly remembered for hitching a horse trailer to her Buick Electra-225 with all four kids and dogs in tow to attend Pony Club meetings and horse shows around Massachusetts. Joan and Jack left the farm life behind in 1971 when they moved to Winchester, MA, which is when Joan entered the work force. Starting as a secretary, her hard work and perseverance earned her multiple promotions and she retired with the title of Sales Engineer.  In 1985 Joan and Jack once again sought a new home by the ocean in Gloucester, MA. Jack succumbed to a previous heart condition in 1987, and Joan made the move from Gloucester to Franklin, MA, to be closer to family, giving her near daily access to her new grandson Cody. While she retained her residence in Franklin until her death, she lived the last two years of her life in the comfort and care of John and Cheryl Forbes in Georgia. She remained positive, energetic and full of gratitude until the end, playing golf until she was 86-years old and frequently traveling to New York City to “paint the town” with her daughter Patty. She was a devoted grandmother and a BFF to all her children and grandchildren. She had exceptionally eclectic taste in music (a lifelong love) and could be found with her children in the front row of live concerts by artists from Kenny Wayne Shepherd to Carole King. She embraced change and opportunity with uncommon enthusiasm and grace. In her last two years, she moved to Georgia to live with her son, John, and reveled in the close relationship with her Georgia-based family. She was immensely proud of all the children and grandchildren, who reciprocated with their pride in her youthful mind and gentle demeanor. Aside from her family, she loved most to laugh, and it is that sound that will ring in the memories of all who knew her. Burial in St Ann Cemetery,Cranston. Arrangements entrusted to the J.F. Skeffington Funeral Home, 925 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence.

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