Fortunate Stockwell Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Fortunate Marie Stockwell, who left us peacefully on August 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Forchy’s life was a testament to her boundless love, dedication, and care for those around her.
From the moment Forchy entered this world, she embraced life with a full heart—holding her family close and, on occasion, adding a sassy eyebrow wink for good measure. Whether through a warm hug, a lovingly prepared meal, or a mischievous smile that spoke volumes, she made everyone feel welcome and valued. During her children’s growing-up years, Forchy’s home became the neighborhood hub—a place where kids, cousins, and friends gathered for fun, food, and just the right amount of chaos. While she may have occasionally regretted her open-door policy with three busy kids, the friendships formed during those years became a source of joy for her entire life.
In 1988, Forchy was lucky enough to marry her match in life, Richard Stockwell, and together they shared nearly 37 wonderful years of marriage. Their love and partnership were a true gift to all who knew them. Forchy’s beloved Sicilian heritage was a source of great pride. She was fortunate to share the trip of a lifetime to Italy with her extended family, and over the years she celebrated countless reunions, dinners, and gatherings with relatives, school friends, and colleagues—moments she treasured deeply. Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched and the traditions she so lovingly kept alive.
Forchy dedicated her professional life to local medical offices, where her compassion for others shone brightly. Her gentle humor, warm smile, and caring spirit left an indelible mark on colleagues, patients, and friends alike. Though she is no longer with us, Forchy’s spirit lives on—in every shared meal, every family gathering, and every smile passed from one loved one to another. Her love, laughter, and legacy will remain forever in our hearts.
Fortunate will be missed by her husband, Richard Stockwell, whom she married on November 11, 1988 in Rockford, MI; her children, Rick (Faith) Sanders, Rob (Tracy) Sanders, Jackie Sanders, and Carolyn “Heather” Stockwell; and her grandchildren, Dan (Kylee), Alexis (Noah), Jackson, Robbie, Tyler, Justin, Mackenzie (Pat), Sebastian, and Gabriel.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Ciro Farina; and her parents, Russell and Concetta (Forestieri) Farina.
Services will be held privately. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in her name may do so to the Berrien County Cancer Service Inc., www.bccancerservice.org/ways-to-give/
