Juliana Forst

Juliana “Judy” Forst, age 94, peacefully entered eternity on March 11, 2021. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8. Judy was born on June 19, 1926 in Omaha, Nebraska to Daniel & Julia Wygold. As a young girl she became a big fan of Hollywood, making scrapbooks of her favorite stars like Shirley Temple and especially Gene Kelly, going to the movies and listening to old time radio shows. She knew very early that she wanted to grow up to be a nurse and entered Bishop Clarkson Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha upon finishing high school. On a trip to San Diego to visit her father she met a handsome Navy man while at her father’s diner. They went on a date that very day and married exactly one year to the day that they met, 3 days after graduating from nursing school, June 23, 1947. She continued nursing for 40 years, finishing out her career at Rogue Valley Medical Center, as it was called at the time. Her other possible career choice had been a teacher, so she spent over 25 years as a classroom volunteer at Central Point Elementary and felt blessed to be able to enjoy both of her passions. Eddy and Judy went on to have five children and Judy would say that her family was what she was most proud of. Judy was an avid reader, loved yellow roses, enjoyed making scrapbooks, photo albums and greeting cards as well as corresponding with friends and family. You would know it was a note from Judy by the unique, graceful handwriting, special issue postage stamps and that it was always sealed with a decorative sticker. She knit many an afghan, made quilts by hand and was known for her beautifully embroidered tea towels. There was always music in the house, especially from the 1930’s and ’40’s, or the radio, with Paul Harvey a favorite part of the broadcast. Saturday night popcorn was a lifelong ritual and the perfect addition to the Carol Burnett Show which couldn’t be missed. Having grown up during the depression, she was a skilled bargain hunter and enjoyed a good shopping trip. Family dinners were a highlight for her and she was the last to sit down, making sure everyone had everything they could possibly need. Even on an ordinary day, she often accessorized with an elegant strand of pearls. A member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church since the family moved to Central Point in 1969, Judy volunteered at their food pantry as well as other organizations in town during her time in the Rogue Valley. She loved the beauty of the surrounding mountains and was happy to call this area home. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 47 years, Eddy Forst, son-in-law Dick Wansewicz and her sister Alice Harp. She is survived by her children Susan Wansewicz, Janice (John) Johnson, Jim (Diane) Forst, Kevin (Lisa) Forst and Nancy (Marvin) English, 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. A private interment will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery. The memorial date is yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Medford Gospel Mission, LCMS World Relief or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. “Jesus said to her “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” John 11:25.