Helen D. Forte

It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Helen D. Forte, 92.   Helen died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on September 16, 2024.

Helen was born on October 15, 1931 in Rutland, VT, the daughter of Aniello and Carmella (Tedesco) Formato. She graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont.

She married Guido Forte Jr. in Rutland, Vermont on July 6, 1957 and they spent 67 wonderful years together.

Helen worked as a teacher of business studies in Wallingford and Pittsford before raising her four children and becoming a homemaker and working in the family businesses.

Her fondest memories were the times she spent summering at her home on Lake Bomoseen and wintering in Cocoa Beach, Florida. She enjoyed bowling, horse racing, playing cards, dancing, listening to music and cooking for her family and friends.  Her greatest joy in life was raising her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the light of our lives, and her smile radiated warmth and kindness to all who knew her.  Her grace and beauty will always be remembered.  She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband Guido P. Forte Jr.; sons Mark Forte (Libby) and Gregory Forte (Terri); daughters Karen Garrow (Stephen) and Julia Couture (Gerry): eight grandchildren Marlee (Derek), Michael (Savannah) and Mariah Forte, Elizabeth Alberico (Thomas), Kelsey Wenzel (Bradford) and Joseph, Madison (Cameron) and Gabrielle Couture. Six great grandchildren; Oliver Couture, Carmella, Thomas III and Evelina Alberico, and Isla and Jameson Forte. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Helen was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Joseph Formato.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Clifford Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Church with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to Mount Saint Joseph Academy 127 Convent Ave., Rutland, VT 05701 or VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region 7 Albert Cree Dr., Rutland, VT 05701.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.