Michele Marie Forsell

Michele Marie Forsell, also affectionately known to some as “Punkie,” 67, passed away as husband was holding her hand on Friday, January 9, 2026, in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois. She was born on August 18, 1958, daughter to June Rose and George Gregory. Michele would go on to work in the manufacturing industry, starting at Elco Industries from 1976 to 2003, then finished her working career at Seward Screw Products, starting in 2003 and retiring in 2018. While working at Elco, she would meet Lenny Forsell in 1991 and over the years he would go on to win her heart, having their first date in 1996 and wed on May 7, 2001. It was not hard to love Michele; she saw the good in every person, was effortlessly sweet and genuinely thoughtful. The previous chapters of her life story allowed her to empathize with people, and she was quick to see things that others might overlook. She never took the simple parts of life for granted. It was not uncommon to find Michele refilling the numerous bird feeders around the Forsell home, as well as putting peanuts out for the chipmunks, squirrels, and bluejays. It was easy for her to make friends with the critters that made their way to her home, from the stray cats to the woodpeckers and hummingbirds. She enjoyed having the wind in her hair, whether on a boat or a motorcycle, long walks along the waterfront or in the woods with her husband, getting the Christmas tree “just right” for the family to enjoy, and a good puzzle or motivating book. She cherished the solitude of nature, but nothing brought her more joy or pride than her family and friends. She always looked forward to time with her kids, grandkids, and now great grand babies, and always wanted to stay updated in their lives.

She will be missed by those who loved her most, her husband of almost 25 years, Lenny; her son, Randy (Heather) Booker; her daughter (who in Michele’s final days was able to be wed right next to mom’s bedside) Sara (Ryan) Hahn; her beloved grandchildren, Haley (Domanick) Lee, Aubree Booker, and Brayden Booker; great grandbabies, Brady and Madison; siblings Orville (Stubby) Pouder, Barbara Camillo, and Denny Gregory; numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her son Michael Booker; biological father, George, her mother June, (father figure Al) Nicholson, and sister Debra Ekard.

A time to gather and honor Michele’s life will take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford Illinois 61108. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to be made to an animal rescue; that is something Michele would have liked. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com