Gwendolyn Forrester

Gwendolyn “Gwen” J. (Gish) Forrester, age 86, died Saturday, September 23, 2017. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, James Harold Forrester; and by her parents, Jesse F. and Lillian Gish.

Gwen is survived by her children, Janet Copenhaver and husband, Steven, of Round Rock, TX, and James B. (Jim) Forrester and wife, Beth, of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Julie Copenhaver, Aaron Forrester and wife, Sheryl, Scott Forrester and wife, Julia, Michelle Guilford and husband, Spencer, and Leslie Foltz and wife, Kirsten Silvey; great-grandchildren, Alexandria and Ava Forrester, Austin Yancy, Shalyn and Kyan Caudill, Olivia and Noah Forrester; brother, Robert F. Gish and wife, Judy; sister, Yolonda Mallery; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gwen worked at various levels during her 30 year career with Albuquerque Public Schools. She enjoyed and loved her family, her friends, and her neighbors. She cherished her and Harold’s time at their cabin in the Manzano Mountains. She was a very creative person as she loved art. (She drew, painted, made pottery, quilts and sang while playing the piano). Gwen had a love for the city in which she was born, Albuquerque.

With Gwen being a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, her parents and family’s history of life in Albuquerque has been displayed in the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. Gwen was a 40 year breast cancer survivor and during the last five years of life demonstrated her strength and the perseverance to withstand many physical ailments. She was an active member in the local chapter of the Cherokee Nation. Last year she was voted as the Cherokee “Elder of the Year” for the New Mexico Chapter.

Having determination, strength, honesty, a strong work ethic and an unshakeable faith in God, Gwen influenced all who knew her. She cherished her incredible neighbors, who were devoted to her, her Cherokee friends who helped her appreciate her heritage, and the loving friends who helped and accepted her at Sagebrush Community Church in Albuquerque. Gwen’s last several months of her journey home to Heaven were lovingly guided by a true angel, Dr. Susan Pinon.

In Gwen’s last moment, her soul was eternally joined with her soul mate, Harold. Her mind was still sharp, although her body was exhausted and worn out from the race of life. As the brilliant sunset of the Albuquerque sky was displaying the most magnificent colors on Saturday night, Gwen passed peacefully to Heaven to be in her final home with the Lord.

A Funeral Service for Gwen will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH – University. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.