Corrine Ellen Forsyth

RACINE – Corrine E. “Ellen” Forsyth, age 100, was welcomed into her heavenly home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Elizabeth Gardens in Racine, with her loving son and daughter-in-law by her side. Ellen was born on July 8, 1920 to the late Charles and Jennie (nee Bergquist) Cleer in Peoria, IL. Shortly after graduating from Manual High School in 1938, Ellen moved to San Diego, CA where she worked in an ice cream shop and roller-skating rink. She was united in marriage to Chester “Chet” Watrobski of Detroit, MI on November 9, 1942. They had one daughter before Chet was KIA in WWII when his Destroyer, the USS Hoel, was sunk on October 25, 1944 off the coast of Philippines. After WWII ended, Ellen met Vernon Forsyth of Chester, PA, when her boss held some mistletoe over her head during a Christmas party at the roller skating rink where she worked. Vernon was the quickest sailor out to center rink where Ellen stood…and a new courtship began. They were later married on May 31, 1948 at the First Baptist Church in National City, CA. In December 1950, the couple moved to Culver City, CA where Ellen loved being a homemaker and raising their children. Ellen was an active member of the West Culver City Baptist Church and then later of the First Baptist Church of West Los Angeles. She had a lifelong love of missions and served on the local, area and state church mission boards. At West Culver, she also served on the deaconess board, as a Sunday School teacher and as an advisor for the Guild Girls, a missions ministry for junior and senior high school girls. Always ready to help, Ellen was involved in the community as a Den Mother for the local Cub Scout Pack and volunteer for the Culver City American Little League. After Vernon’s death in 1995, Ellen moved to Glendora, CA to live with her daughter’s family and enjoyed membership in the seniors’ group at Grace Church of Glendora. After living 69 years in California (the last 11 with her daughter’s family), Ellen moved to Racine, WI in 2007 when her daughter was killed by a drunk driver. Once again, church became her focal point as she joined the Calvary Memorial Church where her son and daughter-in-law were active members. Throughout her life, Ellen loved to sew, crochet, read, write letters, travel, and above all, spend time with her family. Ellen was a devoted wife, mom and “granny” and will be dearly missed. Surviving are her children, Dan (Phyllis) Forsyth of Vancouver, WA, and Frank (Joanie) Forsyth of Mount Pleasant, WI; grandchildren, Brian (Sara) Schilz of Chino Hills, CA, Jenny (Carl) Long of Danville, IL, Matthew (Lisa) Schilz of Santa Cruz, CA, and Michael (Kaydee) Schilz of Ontario, CA; and great-grandchildren, Taryn and Peyton Schilz, Timmy, Katie, and Joshua Long, and Grace, Landon, and Forrest Schilz. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends in Racine, California, Illinois and across the country. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 2 years, Chet Watrobski, her husband of 46 years, Vernon, her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Tom Schilz, her grandson, Tim Forsyth, and all 6 brothers and 5 sisters, along with all her first cousins…the last of her generation. A memorial service in honor of Ellen will be held at the Sturino Funeral Home, 3014 Northwestern Ave, Racine on Friday, August 7, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastors Pat Faulk and Nathan James officiating. Friends can meet with the family beginning at 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Ellen will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills, CA in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Ellen in a special way may make a memorial gift to the Calvary Memorial Church Mission Fund, 4001 Washington Ave, Racine, WI 53405. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Elizabeth Gardens, Dr. Abejuela-Matt at Aurora Health Care, Michelene & Tarra at Bluestone Physician Services, and Bethany & Sam at Seasons Hospice for their loving, compassionate, and excellent care!

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Corrine Ellen Forsyth

July 8, 1920 - August 1, 2020