Theresa (Elkins) Forgione

Theresa Forgione was born on September 7th, 1950 to Veronica Heid and Samuel Elkins of Throop, Pennsylvania. She was the sixth girl of her nine siblings, and beloved by her entire family. Her mother instilled in her the value of family, and her father, the power of God and prayer. And anyone who had the genuine pleasure of knowing Theresa throughout her life, knew that these two values were of the utmost importance to her. Theresa was a woman who truly led her life from her heart, even though she was born with a congenital heart defect that threatened her life from the time she was a small child. She was told over and over that she would not live past certain ages—and she surpassed each sentence, time and time again—even making into a medical journal—giving her a powerfully reverent respect and perspective on life’s fragility and preciousness. She was told she was not healthy enough to have children—and her two children, Jennifer & Derek, were blessed with the most tender and nurturing mother you could ever dream of. And that is her legacy: her family, her church, and her community whom she loved and cared for with all of her heart.

She attended Olyphant High School, where she was Salutatorian and voted “Prettiest Girl” her graduating year. She held an administrative assistant position at a downtown Scranton insurance company for a few years, during which time, she met her husband, Philip. They married after a few short months and created the family and home that Theresa always dreamed of. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Her beloved family, left heartbroken by the loss of Theresa, includes her husband, Philip Anthony Forgione, of Dunmore, her daughter and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Forgione & Jennifer Cooney, of Moscow, her son and daughter-in-law, Derek & Autumn Forgione, of Dunmore, and their two children, Theresa’s grandchildren, Ava & Max Forgione. Also, her beloved siblings, with whom she loved to spend time, often breaking into song and laughter, Joyce Krehel, Sammy McVicar, Carol Kearney, Marge Gasper, Tim Elkins, Shawn Elkins, and Patty Elkins & Sylvia Cliff who both preceded her in death.

Theresa will be missed terribly, especially by her family around Christmas-time, which Theresa adored, and for which she would spend months joyfully baking her famous nut rolls, and decorating the home that she cherished with her husband, Philip. Her absence will also be deeply felt by her grandchildren, Ava & Max, especially at their athletic events, where Theresa loved to cheer them on, and whose achievements she spoke of with much pride. Theresa’s passing will also be widely mourned at her church, where she taught Sunday School to a group of children who she loved to surprise with thoughtful presents. And by her friends, of which she had many and made effortlessly with her authentic curiosity, kindness, and love for others. Theresa was the best “first one to call,” with good news or bad—she loved to share in the joy of her loved ones, and always had room to offer a compassionate word or shoulder to cry on. Theresa was a true beacon of God’s Love. She loved every moment of the life she lived, and she lived it as completely as she could—the world is more beautiful because of the time she spent here. She will be profoundly missed, and her memory treasured forever.

Friends and family may visit at Grace Reformed Episcopal Church on Wednesday, March 29th, beginning at 10:00 am with a 12:00 noon service to follow. All are welcome. The church is located at104 Laurel Drive, Scranton.

Memorial contributions in Theresa’s name may be sent to Grace Reformed Episcopal Church, 104 Laurel Drive, Scranton, PA 18505.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theresa (Elkins) Forgione, please visit our floral store.