Orpha Mae Forman

Orpha Mae Forman, “Mae”, passed away July 27, 2023 at the age of 81. She was born August 8, 1941 in Wadestown, West Virginia, to her late father Blondie T. Britton and mother Bula L. Jones. Mae was surrounded by her family in the days leading up to her passing.

In her early years, Mae moved to Lorain, Ohio, where she met the love of her life Walt Forman. After the couple got married in 1959, they had 3 children and moved to Kettering, Ohio in 1973. Later, in 1993, the couple moved to Palm Harbor, Florida, but often made weeks-long trips up north in their camper to spend time with family and life-long friends. Mae enjoyed traveling, but more than anything, she loved being with her family. She was a staple at the Britton family reunion at her beloved nephew and niece’s home, Gene and Linda Britton, in Hundred, West Virginia, where she would spend over 3 days enjoying bluegrass music, home-cooked meals, laughter, and joy in the company of her family. She felt at home in those hills, mainly because of the love and memories she shared with Gene and Linda through the years and how close Gene and Mae were growing up together.

She was an amazing woman who was dedicated to her loving husband for 64 beautiful years. Although they had ups and downs in those years, the love they shared for each other would know no barriers and would allow them to withstand many of life's obstacles, together. Later in her life, Walt would dedicate all of his time to ensure her safety and care, standing beside her through all hurdles as she did for him. The love they shared was in its purest form when he would serenade her with songs of their younger years, which she adored.

Throughout her life, Mae had a long career as a cherished nanny. She cared for over 15 children in a span of 60 years, often raising her babies from infancy through high-school. She was proud of her profession and a true nurturer, often becoming part of the families she worked with. She regularly went above and beyond doing chores around the house and cooking meals to help the families. Both Mae and Walt helped raise their grandchildren in their younger years which they loved immensely. After they moved to Florida, Mae continued to pursue her profession and continued to build relationships with families that would last her lifetime.

Mae is preceded in death by Blondie and Bula (parents), Hazel Britton (Sister), Brothers; Frances Britton, Elmer Britton, Edward Britton, and Rosel Britton. She is survived by her husband; Walt Forman, her son Harlan Forman, daughters, Donna (Greg) Cunningham, and Alice (Rod) Weikert, 4 grandchildren Christopher (Saundra) Schultz, Timothy Schultz, Steven (Nicole) Baker, and Samantha Cunningham(Matt Shipman), 4 great grandchildren; Jacob Schultz, Alexandria Schultz, Kaylynn Baker, and Allison Baker.

Mae is further survived by her brother, John Britton, sister, Elsie Britton and sister-in-law Goldie Britton.

Mae was an absolute treasure to anyone who knew her and she never met a stranger. She was a true warrior who beat cancer and fought her dementia with every ounce she had. She will be deeply missed but cherished everyday by the ones who loved her.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tampa-cremation for the Forman family.