Gilda R. Forte, age 80, of Woburn passed away after a lengthy illness, August 18, 2008, at the Lexington Health Center with her family by her side. Gilda was the beloved wife of Edward F. Forte for 57 years. Born in Somerville and raised in Malden, she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Pauline (Cicero) Sirignano and the loving step-daughter of the late Marie Sirignano.
Jill was a devoted and loving mother, wife and grandmother. A resident of Woburn for 51 years, she cherished spending time with her family, and enjoyed needlepoint and gardening. Jill was a very active person who loved to exercise and spend time outdoors, planting flowers in her yard. Over the years, she worked at the Village Clothesmith in Lexington and later was a monitor at the Reeves School in Woburn. A truly compassionate woman, Jill was always helping others and especially loved children and animals.
In addition to her husband, Jill is survived by her children Paul E. Forte and his wife, Martha, of Boxford, and Debra Ann (Forte) Parker of Wilmington. She also leaves her sister Dolly DeMontier of Holbrook, and her brother, Robert P. Sirignano. She was the loving grandmother of Stephanie and Ryan Parker of Wilmington and Jamie Forte of Boxford. Jill is also survived by a niece, Bonnie DeMontier and a nephew, Buddy DeMontier and his wife Kathy and their two children, Christopher and Tara.
Her funeral will be held from the McLaughlin-Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant Street, Woburn, Friday, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Brigid Church, 1979 Mass. Ave, Lexington, at 11:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home will be Thursday from 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial at Westview Cemetery, Lexington.