Agnes Irene Forbes passed away peacefully surrounded by love in the early evening of Good Friday, April 7. She was born November 9th, 1923, to Frank and Flora Welch on the family farm near Kinistino. She is survived by her 8 children Rick (Kathy), Mick (Heather), Reg (Cheryl), David (Dawn), Gerry (Sandra), Ron (Connie), Colette (Don) and Jim (Bev) and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren for an extended family of some 100.
Aggie spoke fondly of growing up on the family farm with her siblings Kay, Fred, Jim and Frances, all of whom predeceased her. She attended Gowanbrae School, a one-room school with thirty-six pupils and one teacher for ten grades. Just as Agnes was completing school, World War II began, and Aggie joined the Air Force as a clerk. She was stationed at Hamilton, Ontario and later at Laval, Quebec.
After the War, Aggie used her Veteran benefits to complete her Grade 12 and then entered the Nursing program in Moose Jaw. While in training, she met Jim Forbes. They were married at Zion United Church in Moose Jaw in 1950. They made their home in Mortlach.
Seasons of seeding, harvesting, curling and hockey rounded the years for the Forbes family. This was abruptly interrupted by Jim's sudden death in April, 1963. It was a shock both to family and community.
Aggie returned to nursing in Moose Jaw after Jim’s death. This decision meant learning to drive and purchasing a family car. Working in the city gave Agnes a renewed sense of identity, separate from being a mom and a referee to sibling rivalry. Aggie was also busy in Mortlach as her nursing skills were frequently called upon for those who were not well. She also continued to manage the family farm with her sons and Jim’s brother Cam. She especially loved taking meals out to the farm during harvest time.
Later Aggie kept her hands busy knitting socks, mittens and sweaters for her family - her socks have been a family favorite. New quilts for the great-grandchildren were special family projects. She became the best superfan of her grandkids from basketball, baseball to rowing and quilting. Aggie also enjoyed getting out on her own in the fresh air to take long walks and golf at the Mortlach Golf Country Club. Aggie also enjoyed opportunities to attend live theater when possible, particularly musicals.
Aggie was always active in her Mortlach United Church community. Even as her own children grew up, she continued as a Sunday school teacher and as a volunteer at Camp Capernaum at Buffalo Pound Lake. Aggie later took the opportunity to train at the Prairie Christian Training Centre as a lay minister to better equip herself at filling the local pulpit whenever there was a shortage of ministers.
Aggie also enjoyed her fun and travel. When the kids were young, travel was generally to visit family within and outside of Saskatchewan or to stay at a cottage at Katepwa or Cypress Hills. As the family grew and moved on, Aggie traveled more widely across Canada and internationally, joining family in their travels.
Aggie has been a strong and independent thinker and a tireless supporter of her church and community. She has been a role model to all who have known and enjoyed her laughter and warm smile. A nurturing mother, grandmother and friend, Aggie was most surely a gift to all who met her.
The family wishes to thank the compassionate and caring staffs at Victoria Towers, Mulberry and Chateau St Michael’s for her wonderful years under their care.
A celebration of Life will be held for Aggie on Saturday April 15, 2023 at Masonic Temple, 1755 Main St Moose Jaw with the program starting at 2 pm.
In living memory of Agnes, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries). Chrystine Dacey- Funeral Director
