Elizabeth was born in New Baltimore, Michigan on March 27, 1939, the daughter of the late Myron and Margaret (Kidd) McCormick. On June 19, 1965, she was united in marriage with Wayne Anthony Forton, and they lived together for forty-one years until Mr. Forton's death on November 20, 2005.

Elizabeth enjoyed so many things in life, it is hard to know where to begin. The love of family and friends definitely tops the list. Quite simply, she was dedicated to the people she loved, and she loved hard and without reservation, even during the times where others might have given up. Elizabeth stayed, she loved, and she gave of herself selflessly and tirelessly.

When her children were growing up, it was not uncommon to see her shuttling between several sporting events on one day, always cheering proudly and loudly from the stands. She made every holiday special – scrimped and saved all year to make Christmas morning truly spectacular! She made every holiday meal a mouth-watering banquet with enough food to feed an army. Food was love and it was serious business. No one ever went hungry at Lizzy's house, family and friends alike. Speaking of friends, she was the best kind of friend to so many. If you were in need, she was there for you, no questions asked. Elizabeth was a giver and she didn't keep score. She nursed countless loved ones through their moments of great need. When others turned away, Liz stayed and stood strong. That is who she was and forever will be in the hearts of all who knew her.

While she embraced her roles as wife and mother and caring friend, Elizabeth also enjoyed many other things over the course of her life. First and foremost, she loved to have fun! She could dance like nobody's business. There are tales of her cutting up many a dance floor over the course of her life. For many years, she bowled in a league with her girlfriends and had a blast. She even played a little golf with her friends, and reportedly, they laughed endlessly from the first hole to the last. She enjoyed going to the casino and getting lost in the sights and sounds and people watching. She was an avid watcher of animal and nature programs. Elizabeth absolutely loved dogs, and she showered all of hers (and everyone else's) with unending love. She couldn't get enough of the television shows MASH and Golden Girls and watched every episode several times (something she was relentlessly teased about). She loved flowers and plants and cultivating a beautiful yard full of color and life. She loved visiting family in Florida and California over the years but always said Michigan would forever be her home.

Elizabeth constantly stressed the importance of family and connection. She did this through her words, but more importantly, she did this through her actions. She made sure her children knew and felt the love of their large extended family and community, and she cultivated every opportunity for loved ones to gather together. She provided the stability and constancy at home that every child needs and deserves. She was a fierce protector of those she loved, and she took her job very seriously. Anyone who tried to pull the wool over her eyes soon found out that it was impossible. Anyone who was loved by her will never forget what that love felt like. It didn't matter if you were her child or someone else's, if you needed mothering, Elizabeth would be there for you without hesitation.

Elizabeth will be missed more than anyone could ever properly express. There is tremendous heartbreak and sadness in her passing – a sting that will only be eased by time. Elizabeth was the very best of people. Thankfully, her love and guidance will live on forever in her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and in every other person she loved and who loved her in return.

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Lori Elizabeth (Marty) Slothower, Wayne Stephen (Sandy) Forton, Lisa Ann McCamant, Brad Anthony Forton, and Amy Jo (Jason) McVeigh. She is also survived by her dear and devoted niece, Cindy Reynolds. Elizabeth was blessed with five grandchildren who all survive her, Kerri McKinney, Nicholas (Chelsea) Agnetti, Amy (Travis) Marschner, Spencer Elizabeth McVeigh, and Ethan McVeigh. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren, Eli Mills, Max Mills, Nixon Agnetti, Charlotte Agnetti, Noah Agnetti, Lucas Marschner, and Ava Marschner.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her daughter, Nina Marie Agnetti.