Obituary of Marcia A. DeForest

Marcia A. DeForest, age 50, died suddenly at her home in Bokeelia, FL on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. Marcia was born on April 6, 1961 in Stamford, daughter of Clifford W. DeForest of Darien and the late Marion Telpica DeForest. Marcia was a graduate of Darien High School. A few years later, Marcia was employed by the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Retardation. She worked in several different group home settings in the Hartford area. She provided direct care services for clients with profound mental, physical and behavioral disabilities where she advocated unceasingly for the clients. She took her clients into the community at every opportunity and made her mission to expand her clients social horizon as much as possible. On her days off, she volunteered her time to the Special Olympics. She left her job with the State after almost 20 years of service. A couple of years ago Marcia called me one day and said, "Dad, I'm going to Florida." "When are you leaving, Marcia?" I asked. "I'm on the New Jersey Turnpike right now heading to Florida," Marcia said. That was Marcia. Marcia loved to swim, fish and walk the beaches. She loved all her new Florida friends that grew and grew over the years. She became an Auxiliary member of V.F.W. Post 4353, also a women's community service organization, "The Matacha Hookers". Marcia is survived by her father, Clifford W. DeForest and step-mother Daryl Nevard of Darien; a brother Richard DeForest (Kathy) of Darien; a sister, Robyn Bertino (Chris Schatz) of Souderton, PA and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her dear friend, Pete Linko of Bokeelia, FL. She was predeceased by a brother, Ronald in 1999 and her mother, Marion in 1983. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM with a Prayer Service at 1:30 PM by Msgr. Frank McGrath of St. John R.C. Church at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery in Darien. At Marcia's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics of Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517-2232. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820