Obituary of Frances LaForest

Frances (Fran) Georgia LaForest of Youngstown, New York passed away Friday April 28th, 2023 at Niagara Hospice House. She was the second daughter born to John and Paolina (Caraco) LaFontaine in Gloversville, New York on June 17, 1944. Raised in Johnstown, New York Fran lived a humble life surrounded by countless Sicilian family members in her early years, as well as the beautiful Adirondack mountains. Weekend rides to Lake George, through those majestic mountains with her family in the summer time, were some of her fondest childhood memories. Fran is survived by her devoted husband, Paul William LaForest, of 51½ years.  After Fran moved to Western New York, she met and married Paul on August 22nd 1971. Soon after their marriage in Wilson, New York Paul proudly adopted Fran's sons from a previous marriage, Darren John (Michelle) and Raymond Anthony LaForest. He raised them as his very own sons, and they also share a daughter together, Cynthia Anna (John) Gerber. Fran is survived by her youngest sister, Pauline (Charles) Smith of Hartland, New York and brother John (Tina) LaFontaine of North Carolina. Fran's oldest sister, Rosalie LaFontaine, died of cancer in 1995.

Fran spent the majority of her life a strong fighter, with a beautiful gentle soul that radiated to everyone she met. Battling multiple sclerosis for over 50 years she never, however, allowed it to define her or prevent her from enjoying life. Raising 3 children in a loving home, alongside her husband Paul, came above herself in all things. In her later years, Fran enjoyed traveling, enjoying friends, family, and the beauty God created all over the country.

Fran's pride and joy was becoming not only a mother, but also living to be a grandmother and a great grandmother. Together, Fran and Paul's grandchildren from Raymond comprise of 6 grandsons: Raymond Jr. (Ashley) Ryan, Michael, William, Bryce, Rykken, and one granddaughter Jordan. From Darren (Michelle) one grandson, Daniel. From Cynthia (John) three granddaughters, Anna (Gerber) Hoyt, Renee, and Grace. Frances has three great granddaughters (Ella, Mallorie, Norah) and one great grandson (Lucas). She also has numerous extended family and friends who remain to remember her for her strength to endure, her love and kindness to everyone she met, her sweet sense of humor, and her incredible unshakable faith in God. Fran will be missed greatly by the many lives that she touched, and she will remain in their hearts forever.