Antonetta S. Forni

For Antonetta, from her children. An extraordinary life. Humanity lost one of its better humans on October 19, 2018, the night Antonetta Forni passed away. She will now join her mother Raquel, father Gaetano Lasorsa and second father Frank DiNoia, and loving husband of fifty-three years Delfo Forni in everlasting reunion. Nan was truly loved by everyone who met her, or came into her orbit. She was supremely giving and generous in her own Old World way. Nan met her future husband at the old Rialto skating arena in Springfield and subsequently settled down to raise their family as only members of that generation could really appreciate. Long Sunday afternoons with her large and close family and then talk and children playing under her father’s grapevine in the backyard made for wonderful memories. She and Del, a school teacher, would spend summers crammed into a DeSoto sedan and a small trailer with their growing family, traveling across the country. He was the driver, she was the GPS, with a map spread out on her lap. Later it was their campsite at Lake Winnipesaukee that they returned to for more than thirty years that satisfied their wanderlust; a tradition that survives to this day with a large contingent of all the friends and family that she has collected over the years. These activities provided a wonderful “growing up” for their children. Nan had many interests and talents. She was superb artist, seamstress and cook and would always return from her daily walks with an unusual rock or a piece of wood that caught her eye. Although not particularly political she loved the country her parents emigrated to and in which her family thrived. She thought America was indeed great. Nan sadly experienced the passing of her brothers Victor, and Dominic and her sisters Dora and most recently Ann. She loved all of them dearly. (And her little dogs too!) She is survived and will be truly missed by her adored brother Anthony and his wife Marcia, intensely  missed by her daughter Andrea Bruno who nursed her through illness and health, her sons Eric Forni and his wife Chris and Michael Forni and his wife Suzanne, who will always feel a void where there once was such joy. She also leaves her grandchildren Heather, Erica, Matthew, Franco, Jacob, Giancarlo and Dominic, along with many great-grandchildren. And close friend Sophie who shared her love with and helped care for her animals. For all of us and all who knew her there are only two eras: one with Nan, and now one without. God is going to enjoy the company. Mrs. Forni’s funeral will be held on Wednesday October 24, 2018 at 9 am from Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA, 0118, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Mary’s Church, 27 Somers Road in Hampden. Burial will conclude in Old Cemetery, Chapin Road, Hampden. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society c/o St. Mary’s church, 27 Somers Road, Hampden, MA, 01036.