Eileen Mary Forte

Eileen Mary Forte, 76, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of Francis Joseph Forte, entered into eternal rest on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 in the Cathedral of St. John The Baptist, 120 Broad Street at 11:00 am. The Rite of Committal and Burial will be private. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel.

Eileen was born November 15, 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Joseph Francis Flynn and Florence Mary Flynn. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Philadelphia and worked at PSFS Bank upon graduation. Eileen met Frank, her husband of 57 years, following Easter Sunday Mass at St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Philadelphia in 1964. In 1967, Eileen’s vocation in life began when she became a Wife and then Mother to her 3 children, Jeffrey, Michael, and Corrinne. Eileen would often say “my children are my 3 greatest achievements in my life”, and she reminded them of that daily. She defined the word selfless and would say she had the most rewarding job in the world; being a Mother who stayed at home with her children showing them constant love and care. Sad moments were very short-lived whenever Eileen was around, as she always had something funny to share and would light up an entire room with her infectious smile and laughter. Her unconditional love and fierce loyalty to her family and friends was one of a kind, only second to her devout faith to the Lord. “Miracles happen to those who Believe” was proclaimed daily by Eileen, after having received so many miracles throughout her lifetime. She would share her miracles with everyone, even strangers, constantly giving praise to God. Eileen had an unfailing devotion to her Catholic faith; attending Daily Mass at Holy Spirit Church and always being sure to sit in her “Holy Women” pew. One of the greatest gifts Eileen gave her children was the gift of faith, and this is something that will be carried on with them forever. If she wasn’t spending time with her family and friends or attending Mass, Eileen’s favorite place to be was always at the beach, spending her summers in Cape May, New Jersey and then on Kiawah Island, after moving to South Carolina in 1986. She always enjoyed sitting in the sun during “peak tanning hours”, most especially alongside her daughter and best friend, Corrinne. The gift of her five grandchildren, Julianna, Michael, Flynn, Fields, and Ava were as Eileen would describe “the grand finale of fireworks on the 4th of July”; an abundance of light, joy, and radiance. Her beautiful and magnificent spirit will live on in each of them.

“In Thanksgiving of our Many Miracles-The Forte Family” are the words inscribed by Eileen on a brick in the Blessed Mother prayer garden at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. May all glory and praise be to God forever and always for the Miracle of Eileen.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey Joseph Forte of Charleston, South Carolina; Michael Francis Forte (Christina) of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina; her daughter, Corrinne Forte Barnes (Christopher) of Charleston, South Carolina, and her five beautiful grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Florence Flynn of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Charleston, South Carolina by visiting their website at https://www.scbss.org/giving/

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