Sandra Marie (Stein) Forejt

Sandra Marie Forejt, 72, of Tallmadge, Ohio, passed away peacefully October 4, 2021, with family by her side in her home, after a brief, aggressive bout with cancer.

Born in McKeesport, PA October 25, 1948 to the late Russell and Lena Stein, Sandy was raised in California, PA with her younger sister, Mary Jane. She attended Monongahela Valley Catholic High School, where she met her lifelong best friend Claudia (Petrus) Moody.  After graduating in 1966, she earned her undergraduate degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and then earned her Masters in Speech Pathology at Penn State University.

Sandy began her career in education in Bucks County, PA before moving to Ohio and working part-time in several Catholic schools including Christ the King and St. Martha's while her three children were young.  Starting full time, she made her mark as a Speech Pathologist with Tallmadge City Schools by instituting classroom amplification systems, integrating children's literature into speech and language therapy, and working closely with the special needs classroom to provide beneficial services.  Sandy briefly worked in Rock Hill, SC, where she quickly showed her professionalism and depth of knowledge.  Finishing her career with Akron Public Schools, she truly found her niche as an advocate for every student with special needs in an environment where she felt she made a true difference for students that needed someone to champion for them.

When beginning her career, she met the love of her life, the late Charles "Rick" Forejt, in Philadelphia. Married in 1973, Rick and Sandy set the example for love, commitment, and partnership for 46 years. Raising their family in Tallmadge, family was the core of Sandy's life. She provided an example of perseverance, fortitude, and independence while her marriage to Rick taught us mutual respect, unwavering support, and endearing, unconditional love. Sandy was a caretaker, providing for those she loved, especially demonstrated in her care for her husband Rick in his last years. She taught her children to enjoy life's pleasures, showcased in her love of sweets, reading, golfing, boating, traveling, cooking, dancing, and puzzling.  She loved taking her grandkids to the zoo, attending theatrical performances, vacationing in the Outer Banks and Las Vegas, spending her days in Vero Beach, and playing board games with her loved ones. Sandy was a true friend, a trustworthy confidant, and a loyal companion. She was the epitome of professionalism, style, and conviction.

She is survived by her children Rachel (Eric) Kreidler of Dublin, Julie (Tom) Headrick of Tallmadge, and Michael (Julie) Forejt of Columbus; five loving grandchildren that brought her great joy: Kathryn, Charles “Brady”, and Addison Headrick, and Hannah and Jacob Kreidler.  She also leaves behind her sister Jane (Charles) Parbury; sister-in-law Joan (Dennis) Carroll; a niece and nephews, and many treasured friends.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 73 North Ave. with Rev. Michael Matusz officiating and a celebration of life immediately following for family and friends. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on Our Lady of Victory’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ourladyofvictorychurchtallmadge/.  You are kindly asked to wear a mask when in close proximity to others in Church until further notice.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Sandy has requested for attendees to wear polka dots, another love she held. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Crossroads and Visiting Angels.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tallmadge High School at 140 N. Munroe Road, Tallmadge, OH 44278 in care of the Tallmadge Works Special Needs classroom so they may continue to provide for and teach functional life skills, furthering Sandy's belief that every child deserves the opportunity to prosper.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra Marie (Stein) Forejt, please visit our floral store.