Mary Louise (Bassett) Forbes, 91, of Smith Street died Wednesday 6/22/22 at home with her husband and daughter at her side in Greenfield. She was born in Montague on January 13, 1931, the daughter of Clifton and Edith (Rosewarne) Bassett. Mary Louise attended local schools in Turners Falls and continued her education, graduating from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst and later receiving her master's degree from Keene State College in Adjustment Counseling.
Mary was instrumental in local politics, serving on the Advisory Board, Downeyside from 1968 to 1979, an Area Rep. for Franklin County from 1980 to 1985, a Greenfield Democratic Town Committee member beginning in 1972, and elected three times as a Delegate at the Democratic State Convention. From 1988 to 1990, Mary served as Chairman of the Greenfield School Committee and a member of the Special Education Subcommittee from 1986 to 1988. She also served as County Commissioner for Franklin County.
Mary Louise was married to Bill Forbes and raised fourteen children which she believed was her greatest accomplishment.
Besides her beloved husband Bill, Mary Louise leaves her children, William Forbes (Susie); John Forbes; Jeff Forbes; Christopher Forbes; Mary Anne Delaney (Rich); Mary Jo Forbes (Becky Holland); Patricia Deren (Tim); Maria Midgett (Bruce); Tim Forbes (Jessica); the late Michael P. Forbes; Christina Hovsepian (David); Michael Joseph Forbes and Maura Hughey(Todd); countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a brother, Paul Bassett.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday 6/29 at 9:15am from the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Turners Falls.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday evening from 4-7 at the funeral home in Greenfield.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.
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