JoEllen Forestal
June 25, 1934 ~ July 18, 2019
JoEllen Forestal, 85, of Indianapolis, passed away in the early morning hours of July 18, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. JoEllen was born on June 25, 1934 to the late Joseph and Leona (Brackman) Werner. On June 8, 1957 in Little Flower Catholic Church JoEllen was united in marriage to the late Richard F. Forestal.
A woman of faith, JoEllen was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church. JoEllen was known to be an excellent Bridge player. Above all, JoEllen was a devoted wife and mother who cared greatly for her family.
JoEllen’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Five Star Residences of Banta Pointe for the exemplary care they provided JoEllen during her stay there.
Along with her parents and late husband, JoEllen is also preceded in death by her siblings, Austin, Donald, and Jacqueline Werner.
Survivors include her children, Greg (Shellie Conway) and Joseph Forestal, Rose Marie (James) Sommers, Mary Jo Barth, and Diana (James) Haeberle; sisters, Barbara DeMasie and Marilyn May; 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate JoEllen’s life on Monday, July 22, 2019 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis with recitation of the Rosary beginning at 7:30 P.M. Morning prayers will begin at 10:15 A.M., on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the funeral home with the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 East Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis. Burial will follow in Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis. Please visit www.OrileyFuneralHome.com where you may express online condolences to JoEllen’s family.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I have SO many lovely memories of JoEllen. She was spiritual, witty, and gentle. She is the mother of my bestest friend, Rose. She offered me a second home. I loved her voice and her laugh. I mourn the end of your earthly life. Godspeed little one❤️.
First a bowling partner , friend then a sister-in-law. Mentor for Bridge (cards), mentor for Sudoku, vacation partner for my daughter’s wedding. Always there for me and everybody who needed anything (best listener). Family Matriarch, true christian with the deep love of Jesus and being His evangelist. I am so grateful to have know you. You have met Him & He is telling you that you ran the good race.
I began as her housecleaner,But quickly we became friends,She always would play music & care for my comport while i cleaned.I will really miss her.R.I.P
What a beautiful spirit JoEllen was! Her smile would light up a room and her laugh was precious to hear. I think she ‘adopted’ all the Haeberle kids and their families. She will be greatly missed!
We spent many days together as we were CRHP sisters! I loved her honesty and humility! We were the 2 oldest (by quite a few years) of the team. She will be missed! Sincere condolences to all! God bless, Jean Milharcic
The Forestals were my next door neighbors when I was growing up. What I remember is how welcome they always made me feel. I loved the children and spent a lot of time with them. I remember riding along when Mrs. Forestal would go to see her mother, she just made me feel like part of the group. Laurie Pope Boone
Wishing Peace and Blessings to the family and friends. May God continue to fill your hearts with the memories and love for Mrs. Forestal. God Bless Franche’ Andrade
Prayers to all the Forestal family and especially for Joe and my 3 Grandsons to reflect about their grandmother and give them strength to heal. She will be missed, but memories of her will be stronger.