Biography

Vivian L. Forestieri, 74 of Coloma began a new journey with her loving family by her side on Thursday, December 31 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

Per her wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, January 8 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma where the family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in memory of Vivian may be made to the American Lung Assoc, the Salvation Army in Benton Harbor, or to the North Berrien Senior Center. Those wishing to sign the online guestbook or leave a message of comfort for the family may do so using the guestbook link located on this page.

Vivian’s journey began July 23, 1935 in South Haven as one of four children to Dawson and Stella (Russell) Ridley. On October 11, 1952 she was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Anthony “Tony” Forestieri in South Haven. There they raised their children and resided until 1970. In 1963 Tony and Vivian took ownership of the A&W Restaurant in Coloma. During their 24 years of proprietorship they employed many Coloma residents and built lasting friendships with a large majority of the community. Vivian took great pride in people’s enjoyment of her many homemade recipes. She truly loved pleasing customers. After selling the business in 1987 they went to work for Hilltop Foods, now Hardings in Coloma where Vivian continued to enjoy working with customers, doing demos and helping with customer service. Her many years of direct contact with former employees and the community in general made Vivian a much loved and well known individual.

Vivian so enjoyed her gardens, growing all her own vegetables and herbs. She loved watching all of her grand and great grandchildren as they learned to swim in their pool. Vivian’s love for her family never wavered.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, Anthony, her loving husband of 58 years, her first born son Vince (Joanie) Forestieri of Rolling Prairie, IN, daughter Tesi (Kevin) Jennings and son Phil (Barb) Forestieri both of Watervliet. She had six grandchildren that she cherished, Rhianna (Chad) Pumfery, Heidi (Steve) Jones, Nick Forestieri, Gina (Brian) Rzetelny, Anthony Jennings, and Kati Jennings. She has three great grandchildren, Dominick Jones, Brenden and Bryce Pumfery, and was anxiously awaiting the birth of her first great granddaughter. Also surviving is a sister Carolyn Radecki of Santa Marie, CA, special nieces Gwen Morton, Tammy Hagel, Diane Ridley, and nephews Ron Newell and Dan Ridley, brother-in-law Ned Newell, aunt and uncle Martha and Lawrence Ridley, and numerous cousins.

In addition to her parents Vivian was preceded in death by a brother Dale Ridley and a sister Barbara Newell.

Memorial Service

Friday January 8, 2010, 2:00 PM at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home
Click for Map and Directions

Cremation has taken place

Memorial Visitation

Friday January 8, 2010, 12:00 - 2:00 pm at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home
Click for Map and Directions