Obituary of Elizabeth Forwell

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With immense sadness, we announce the passing of Elizabeth Dianne Forwell (nee Cook) at the age of 91. She is predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Kenneth Leo Forwell, parents Lavina and Milton Cook, sister Shirley Sparrow, brother John Cook, and daughter-in-law Patricia Forwell. Elizabeth is survived by siblings Joan Wallace and Lynn Cogley (John).  She is Mother, as she would say, of five precious children: Susan (Peter), Lorie (Bill), Rod, Bartley (Inge), and KG (Andrea); and Grammie to six grandchildren: Kristy, Amanda (Pablo), Dianna (Cameron), Jake, Carson, and Chase, and six step-grandchildren Ted (Alex), Suzy, Michael (Nadege), Andrew (Genevieve), John (Tonia), and Jennifer; and numerous great grandchildren.

Elizabeth grew up in St. Clements, attended high school in Elmira, and went on to become a registered nurse, graduating from the St. Joseph School of Nursing, in Hamilton, in 1956. Elizabeth enjoyed the challenge of nursing, keeping her skills sharp by taking several professional education courses and becoming the “go-to” specialist on the St Mary’s Hospital intravenous (I.V.) team. In addition to her clinical acumen, she served on the board as executive and the President of the Ontario Nursing Association (ONA). Elizabeth flourished in this work and was instrumental in negotiations that ultimately led to improved work conditions and remuneration for nurses. She proudly stayed in nursing for her entire career retiring, with much chagrin, in 2000, as a result of the mandatory retirement age legislation at the time. Whether working or retired, Elizabeth continued to stay in touch with her nursing classmates, including this year for the celebration of their 70^th year since their nursing graduation.

By far the most important thing for Elizabeth was family, whether it was getting her children on skis, making sure they could all swim, skate and golf, or focusing them on their studies. Elizabeth was very strategic about staying involved. For example, for almost 15 years she came to Whistler annually, initially to babysit Jake, which morphed into making her way up the mountain for the annual family picture. Further adventures included driving the coast highway from Vancouver to Los Angeles with Sue, arriving in Indonesia to travel for four weeks with Lorie, cruising on the Trent-Severn canal system with her sisters Joan and Lynn, and going on a golf trip to Portugal with her husband. The trip to Portugal was notable in so many ways but in particular Elizabeth was extremely proud of driving a British mini with manual transmission around Portugal while Ken golfed because, as a woman, driving a standard was an oddity when she was growing up. 

Elizabeth was also a woman of many talents. When she had a young family, Elizabeth would preserve peaches and cucumbers; make raspberry and strawberry jams; bake apple pies and sew summer dresses for her daughters. Beyond domestic activities Elizabeth and Ken enjoyed dancing and participating in dance competitions with Uncle Ray and Aunt Janet (Elizabeth’s brother and sisters-in-law). The rivalry was great fun for all.

Elizabeth also had the guilty pleasure of faithfully watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune to challenge her brain. She would invite anyone that wanted to join her to play along. Even in her final weeks, the granddaughters would have a “date” with Grammie to watch these game shows together and conquer the TV challengers.

Finally, Elizabeth was religious and kept her many rosaries close at hand. A highlight for her was a trip to Rome, Italy where she was able to see the many religious artifacts in celebration of her and Ken’s 45^th wedding anniversary.  Even in her final days, she continued to use her tablet to listen to and join in the praying of the rosary. She often quoted a favourite phrase: “Peace can be found in prayer” and practiced these ideals to the end.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial to take place at St Agnes Catholic Church, 75 Bluevale St N, Waterloo, on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. with Father Jeff Bergsma officiating. Interment to follow the Mass at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. Following the interment, a reception will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home Fireside Reception Room. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, Elizabeth has asked that you donate to a guide dogs program in your area and/or the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Our Lady of Lourdes church. Donations may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.