PORTLAND – Pat LaForge, 85, died peacefully Oct. 28, 2010, at her home on Clapboard Road, after a lengthy illness. Born April 19, 1925, in Brookline, Mass., and daughter of Isabel Millett, she was raised by various family members, and at one point resided in a Bangor orphanage. After graduation from Bangor High School in 1943, she worked for New England Telephone & Telegraph as an operator. After his return from World War II, she met and married Lawrence “Larry” LaForge, June 10, 1946. Their marriage gave Pat the understanding of what it meant to truly belong to a secure, devoted family. In 1957 they transferred to Ellsworth and once again to Portland in 1964. She recently moved from Wellwood Road due to poor health. She was a communicant of St. Pius X Church. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she had many talents and hobbies. Her children wore handmade clothing during their school years. Her hand knitted and crocheted items were donated each year to Christmas fairs. She had a “green thumb” and was a floral designer in Ellsworth and Portland. Her cookies, cakes and candy were favorites during the holidays. Retirement summers were spent at a camp on Branch Lake, Ellsworth. Pat thoroughly enjoyed her many years of playing Beano in the Portland area and made many lasting friendships in those Beano halls. She was predeceased by her husband in 2005. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Lewis and husband, Gene, of Portland; son, Michael LaForge and wife, Heidi, of Hermon; brother-in-law, John LaForge and wife, Peggy, of Harpswell; sister, Ruth Conley and Lawrence of Guilford; brother, James Gorman and Kathy of Dover, Del.; grandchildren, Chad, Stephanie, Justin and Elizabeth; eight great-grandchildren; a special cousin-in-law, Sister Eleanor LaForge; as well as several nieces and nephews. There are no visiting hours scheduled. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, at St. Pius X Catholic Church with Father Regan, celebrant. Interment will be at Maine Veterans Cemetery, Augusta. Donations in Patricia’s memory may be made to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital or Make-A-Wish Foundation. <
PAT LAFORGE
