Joanna Miriam Forsyth
Our Dear Mother, Joanna Miriam Forsyth, age 93, passed away peacefully, however, unexpectedly, on March 23, 2025. She was born in Seattle, WA to Gertrude and Andrew Jaeger.
Joanna graduated from Lincoln High School, Seattle, in 1949, and joined the United States Air Force the same year, serving three years. She married her high school sweetheart, Gilbert Forsyth, in 1951 and they spent 65 happy years together before his passing in 2016.
She was the first women to enlist full-time in the Idaho Army National Guard in 1972 and served four years. Her stories about being the only woman training with a bunch of men out in the Gowen Field desert were priceless. She was proud to be a Veteran and member/volunteer of American Legion Post 136.
Joanna retired from Idaho Power and Gilbert retired from St. Luke’s after 25 years. They became Sambassadors for the Good Sam RV Company. They visited all 50 states and 5 provinces of Canada. They also visited Australia, New Zealand, Fuji, Hong Kong, China, and Tokyo. They cruised through the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska (4 times), and the Panama Canal. They shared many wonderful experiences and met many lifetime friends.
Joanna was proceeded in death by her husband, Gilbert, and brother, Andy.
She is survived by three daughters, Deb (Lon), Sue (Perry), and Patti (Michael). Five grandsons, Joshua (Briana), Daniel, Kalder, Kyler, and Walter (Breanna). Two great-grandchildren, Ava and Emerson. As well as her three besties, Ardie, Glenna, and Candi.
To my card playing buddies … Keep on shuffling!
To my family and friends … Think of me as a Star, where my love shines brightly down on you, to let you know I love you and I am at peace.
A private military honors service to commemorate our mother and father will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.