Patricia Ann Forte

Sunday, January 3, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, Patricia Ann Forte’ affectionately known as Ladybird, was born to the late Rev. James and Edna Forte’. She attended Cleveland Public Schools, and in her late teens, she married the late, Robert Lamar Robinson. From that union came five children.

Her most prestigious accomplishment was graduating from the Central School of Nursing. She prided herself and spoke often of her employment history which involved providing caregiving services to several of the most prominent, wealthy, and influential families in the greater Cleveland area over a thirty-year span.

Ladybird described herself as a bonne vivante, a French word describing one fond of good living. She lived, loved, and laughed – loudly and proudly. Blessed with her father’s wit and her mother’s good looks and spiritual curiosity, she was a natural storyteller, wordsmith, and historian. She enjoyed existential conversations, and spirited debates about politics, spirituality, and philosophy. She preferred reading novels and classical literature to watching television. Loving poetry, it was her mission and hope to publish a book of poetry that contained a compilation of original poems of her late brother, Roland. She was the life of every party and sometimes was the party. She left a lasting impression and was unforgettable.

Ladybird loved and cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her parents Rev. James Forte’ and Rev. Madame Edna Forte’; daughter, Katherine Robinson, her siblings: Faine Forte’, James Forte’ Jr., Lindley Forte’, Roland Forte’, Ronnie Forte’, Helen Forte’ Woodard (Frederick).

Left to carry on her legacy, are her children: Robert Lamar, Rosalyn, Randall Robinson (Myra), and Rhondalyn Woodard. She will be missed by her grandchildren: Trayvon, RaSheena, RaShawn, Michael, Shirley aka “Desha”, Turriya, Anthony, Lamere, Amir, and 21 great-grandchildren. Her remaining siblings: brothers, Nathaniel “Billy” Forte’ of NC, Duane Forte’(Carol) of VA, Limas Forte’(Suzanne) of NY, Eugene Forte’ of NC, Johnny Forte’ of Cleveland, and Donald “Pete” Forte’ of Warrensville Hts. Sisters, Gwendolyn Forte’ of GA, and Debbie Forte’-Gunn (Everett) of Warrensville Hts. A host of nieces, and nephews, close family and dear friends, and her caregiver of 10 years, Lydia.

Ladybird was a fighter to the end; she fought a good fight, spread her wings, and entered eternal rest on December 23, 2023.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 4PM-8PM at Craciun Berry Funeral Home, 7200 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 12PM.