Obituary

Mary Anne Bissett Forman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 4, 2024, surrounded by her family, a blessing she and her family received gratefully. Born on January 8, 1939, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, she was the cherished daughter of Daniel E. McIvor and Isobel McIvor, who predeceased her.

Mary Anne’s life was deeply rooted in family and faith. She was married to William Simpson Buchan Forman on November 14, 1959, in Richmond, British Columbia. They were married for 44 years, until his passing on August 5, 2004. As she said at his memorial service, their favorite thing to do was “anything they did together”.

Mary Anne is remembered for her creativity and unwavering joyfulness. One of her great pleasures was gatherings with family and friends. She loved welcoming everyone into the kitchen, where all were included in cooking, creating, and celebrating. She enjoyed hosting lively New Year’s Eve parties, backyard gatherings, and family celebrations. She was at ease in a fine restaurant and peeling logs on the beach at the edge of a forest, always eager to share experiences and laughter.

Mary Anne was passionate about nurturing the imaginations and faith of children through art projects, co-leading Catacomb Club; a community after school Bible Program, and co-leading her church Christian Education Committee with her husband. She loved telling the children’s story during church services, and using that opportunity to share the gospel with young children. She volunteered with the Alcohol Drug Education Service (ADES) to support their work with youth. In her later years in Lynden she enjoyed tending to her garden and sharing it with the children in her neighborhood.

Mary Anne was also an avid baker, known for her pies and cakes, homemade bread, and Christmas cookies. Her grandchildren could count on going home from grandmas with a few “extra” bags of cookies for the coming days. Family breakfasts and dinners were a hallmark of her commitment to time together, and when an irresistible song came on the radio, swing dancing was added to the mix.

Mary Anne was a committed member of her couples Bible study group for over 30 years and actively participated in a women’s fellowship group. Her morning routine always included her Bible, a testament to her steadfast faith.

Mary Anne is survived by her four loving daughters, Elizabeth Hamming, Wendy (Scott) Wilding, Katherine (Tom) Williams, and Heather (Dave) Johnstone; her sister, Wendy Stuart; and her eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind five nieces and nephews.

She will be greatly missed for her love, joy, and deep commitment to family and faith.

A service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Grace Baptist Church, Lynden, WA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Grace Baptist Church, 338 N. Park Street, Lynden, WA 98264 for Bonnie Blankets.