Irene Forte

Our dear mother, Irene Forte, age 79, sadly passed away on October 9, 2024, in Lee County, Florida, under the care of Hospice services. Irene leaves behind her heartbroken family and close friends who will cherish their memories of a beautiful and kind lady.

Irene was born In Manhattan, New York, on August 10, 1945, to Ira and Anna (Heizmann) Tulipan. She had seven brothers and sisters.

Irene was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Leonard in 2021.

Irene is also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Robert and Peter, and sisters, Nancy and Pat.

Irene and Lenoard married in 1965 and moved to Long Island to raise their four children. They moved to Florida in 1987. Irene worked as an administrative assistant before retiring but was the happiest in her role as a wife and mother. Irene has lived at Discovery Commons' assisted living facility for the past year.

Irene cherished her time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Irene enjoyed cooking, sewing, listening to music, shopping, traveling, and watching soap operas and reality television, her favorite shows were reality competition shows

Irene leaves behind her four children: Patricia Tooker (Bill), Leonard Forte, Jr. (Stacy), Lisa Edwards (Timothy), and Dina Ryan (Adam). She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Marissa and Patrick Tooker, Trevor Forte, Noah Shireman, Devin and Tori Randall, and Adam Spitaliere. She also leaves behind her surviving siblings, Richie, Tommy, and Kathy, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.

Irene’s family would like her to be remembered as a kind, loving wife, mother, and nana. She was a caring lady who always put others' happiness ahead of hers. She would tell her children to be kind to others even during challenging times. Irene was also an amazing cook and would cook enough food for a small army. If you went to her house for dinner, you would leave with a Tupperware container with leftovers. No meal was complete without coffee and dessert. She also liked her soup “very, very, hot”.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced. Arrangements are to be made by Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home.