Ishpeming- Virginia J. LaForest, age 98, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away on Friday January 7, 2022 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of her family, and nursing home staff.

Virginia was born on July 27, 1923 in Marquette, daughter of the late Raymond and Virginia (Robare) St. Cyr. She graduated from Ishpeming High School before going on to Northern Michigan University where she graduated with an LPN degree. She worked at Bell Hospital for 10 years as well as the Mather Nursing Home for 10 years during her working career.

Virginia was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Negaunee Eagles, and was active with the Ishpeming Senior Center. She played cribbage in local cribbage leagues, enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and traveling.

Virginia is survived by 2 sons- Dennis LaForest, Robert (Jane) LaForest, sister- Jacqueline Vial, grandchildren- Cindy (Edwin) Wood, Brent (Delana) Winchester, Karen (Chris) Holmgren, Neil (Stephanie) Winchester, Carol (David) Junak, Cheryl (Eric) Hansen, Scott LaForest, Robert (Sara Mejeur) LaForest, Danielle LaForest, Kara (Robert) MacNeil, 23 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 68 years- Robert LaForest Sr., infant son- Randolph, daughter- Diana Winchester, daughter-in-law- Carrie LaForest, sister- Diana Clarke, brother- Rowland Keck, granddaughter- Pamela Young, great grandson- Paul Holmgren, and granddaughter-in-law- Joy LaForest.

Virginia's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am until 12:00 noon on Friday January 14, 2022 at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon with Fr. Ryan Ford officiating. Burial will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Robert LaForest III, Robert MacNeil, David Johnson, Chris Holmgren, David Junak and Scott LaForest.

The family requests for masks to be worn but are not required.

Virginia's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the exceptional care they gave to their mother.

Virginia's funeral service may be live streamed at the following link https://www.facebook.com/events/251579290424324