Holly Thompson Forker

Holly Forker, age 74, of Valparaiso passed away peacefully among family members on December 21, 2022. Holly was born the eldest of three children to Donald J. Thompson and Erma Jean Lowe Thompson in Winamac, Indiana on February 12, 1948. She attended Culver Community High School and went on to study at Valparaiso University. After college, Holly married Mark Forker, her former husband. They had two daughters, and later went on to have five granddaughters, all of whom she loved deeply. Holly was a people person. She was the kind of lady where if you ran into her at the store, you knew your quick trip was going to turn into an hour-long conversation with Holly filled with questions and stories. But the beautiful thing about Holly was that you never seemed to mind the long talks, because during any conversation with her, Holly had this amazing way of making you feel seen. When Holly asked you how you were, how your family was, or how your job was going, you knew it was because she genuinely cared. It didn’t matter if she had known you for years or if you were a stranger she had just met. She treated everyone like they were family and cared about them just as much. Holly had a talent and passion for cooking, which she used to bring people together. There was not a holiday or birthday that went by without a big celebration, filled with decorations, food, music, people and her unforgettable laugh. Cooking was a huge part of Holly’s life, something she did for others as a way of showing how much she loved and cared for you. People adored Holly’s cooking; the smell of a fresh cooked meal is often a reminder of her jovial presence. If you were eating with Holly, you knew that you would be leaving with a huge box of leftovers, and at least 2 different kinds of desserts. Despite you reassuring her that you are full, she would never let you leave her home empty handed. Among many other admirable qualities, generosity was surely one of her most memorable. Throughout Holly’s life she volunteered at various organizations, including Trinity Lutheran Church, Family House, and the Republican Party. She also spent several years working as a Judge’s Advocate. Holly is also remembered by many from visiting her store, Holly’s Hallmark Shop, in downtown Valpo. Holly’s passion for helping others shined greatly through all aspects of her life, always going above and beyond for others, and rooting for the underdog. Above all, Holly loved her family. She was always boasting about her beautiful ‘babies’ and ‘grandbabies’ with that smile of hers that stretched from ear to ear. She loved her family with everything she had, and not a day went by when she failed to let them know it. Holly paid attention to the little things about you, whether it was sending you something she saw online she thought you might like or using her sewing skills to hand-make a customized blanket for you, or little stuffed animals. Holly saw the uniqueness in people and never stopped doing what she could to show you that she noticed. Her heart was rare, big, and beautiful. Holly was one of a kind and will be missed by everyone who got the pleasure of knowing her. Holly was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Erma Jean Thompson. Holly is survived by her siblings: Steve Thompson and Jeanne Thompson; her daughters: Erin Forker Spencer (Kevin Spencer) of Valparaiso, IN and Megan Forker Ruge (Jason Ruge) of Burns Harbor, IN; her granddaughters: Delaney Spencer, Avery Spencer, Quincy Spencer, Maxie Wallen, and Cecilia Ruge; her former husband, Mark Forker; many nieces and nephews, as well as many “chosen” children and grandbabies whom she considered her own. A celebration of life will be held for Holly in the spring of 2023 as this was her favorite time of year. A date will be announced by her family when one is decided. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to burial costs for Holly. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Holly Thompson Forker

February 12, 1948 - December 21, 2022