Helen Meakim Forrest

Helen Meakim Forrest, 57, of Exton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Wednesday, 28 June 2023.  Helen graduated from Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, PA and went on to attend West Chester University, where she received her BA in Elementary Education. Helen worked as a third-grade teacher at St. Mary Magdalen until her oldest child, Bobby, was born and she chose to be a stay-at home mom, which was her true calling. She returned to teaching after the loss of her husband, Rob Forrest, and was loved by all children throughout the West Chester area.

More than anything, her greatest joy was her three children, which she referred to as her “three gifts,” and nothing in the world made her happier than spending time with them. She loved cooking a home-made meal and eating at the kitchen table, drinking wine with her sisters, daily walks with her “fourth child,” Mandy, hanging on her patio and in the Malvern Hunt backyard, spending time with her cherished family, and being at the beach. Helen was an avid gardener, and every Monday morning, you could count on seeing multiple garbage bags at the curb, full of garden clippings.

Helen leaves behind many people who loved her greatly, including her three children, Bobby (26), Melissa (24), and Michelle (21); her dad, Edward G. Meakim Jr., her sisters Maureen Brosso (Mark), and Theresa Harmon (Dan), her brother, Ed Meakim (Colleen), her 14 nieces and nephews, her partner, Mike Stagnaro, and far too many friends to count (Helen made friends wherever she went!). Helen was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert Forrest and her mom, Helen Meakim.

“At that moment there was much peace in heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, ‘God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel’s name.’ ‘Her name is not important. You will simply call her Mom.” She will be missed and loved by all who knew her forever, but as she told us, “Look for hearts, that will be my sign.”

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation Friday, July 7^th, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at SS. Peter & Paul Church at 1325 Boot Rd., West Chester, PA 19380, followed by her Funeral Mass Friday, July 7^th, 2023, at 12 noon. Interment in St. Agnes Cemetery, West Chester, PA.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed HERE 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Forrest Children’s Future Fund, c/o Edward G. Meakim, Jr., 1273 Eagle Rd, West Chester, PA 19382.